Hipping Hall has announced the appointment of Peter Howarth as Head Chef from October 2021. Howarth will succeed Head Chef Oli Martin who – following seven years at Hipping Hall – leaves to pursue his own venture.

Howarth joins Hipping Hall following two highly successful years as Head Chef at The Devonshire Arms’ Burlington Restaurant at Bolton Abbey. Howarth has also spent time leading teams at some of the UK’s most sought-after hotel restaurants such as The Latymer at Pennyhill Park, Linconshire’s Michelin-starred Winteringham Fields and The Samling, Lake Windemere as Head Chef.

A mentee of acclaimed chef Michael Wignall, Howarth also held the Head Chef position at Gidleigh Park where his talent was quickly recognised industry wide. During his tenure, the restaurant achieved two Michelin stars and five AA Rosettes – the first restaurant to receive the accolade.

Complementing his experience, Howarth’s time spent travelling the UK and beyond developing dishes which focus heavily on provenance underpinned by classical techniques makes him a choice fit for Hipping Hall, perched on the of tri-county borders of Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire.

On his appointment Howarth says: “After seeing Hipping Hall I just fell in love with the place. Throughout my career I have used the produce from the three counties that surround Hipping Hall; it’s just the perfect environment for my food and I know that we are going to create something really special here. Kirkby Lonsdale also happens to be a beautiful part of the world that I have lived in before and I can’t wait to move back there with my family.”

Andrew Wildsmith, owner of Hipping Hall, adds: “We are very excited to have Peter Howarth joining us. The appointment marks a very exciting next step for Hipping, which has recently achieved four AA Rosettes and holds a very bright future. I’m thrilled we have partnered with such a talented chef who shares similar values with regards to a forward-thinking, yet classical kitchen. I know together we are going to create something very special for our guests. We will miss Oli and I want to thank him again for all his hard work and dedication these past years as well as wishing him the very best for his exciting next venture.”

The appointment follows the announcement that Oli Martin will leave Hipping Hall following seven highly successful years as its Head Chef. A huge influence on the hotel, the Lancashire-born chef joined aged just 26, was promoted to Head Chef in 2014, and is now looking to develop his own venture in events.

On his next chapter Martin says: “I joined Hipping hall over seven years ago as a budding young chef, and throughout my time here I’ve been able to develop and create my own style and grow into an experienced and established leader. I’m forever indebted to Andrew and the Wildsmith Hotel group for giving myself the tools needed to achieve the incredible things the team and I have done over the years. Hipping will always have a special place in my heart and I’m excited to see the next stage of its evolution.”