Andrew Dudley is the head chef at The Elephant Bar & Brasserie at The Cornwall Hotel, Spa & Estate in St Austell.
Born in the Welsh town of Llandeilo, Andrew always wanted to be a chef after spending Saturdays with his grandmother cooking at their farm.
He joined The Cornwall at the end of 2015 and loves cooking in Cornwall with the very diverse natural larder that is obtained from close proximity to both land and sea.
Luxury Lifestyle Magazine food and drink editor Natasha Heard had the opportunity to sit down with Andrew and discuss everything from his culinary inspiration to his signature dish. Some of the highlights can be read below.
How would you describe your style of cooking?
British with modern European influences.
What or who inspired you to be become a chef?
My grandmother – she is still the best cook I have ever met.
What would be your food heaven and hell?
Food heaven is roast lamb chops. Food hell is anything with coconut and banana. We use them in the kitchen but personally they aren’t my favourite.
Tell us about your favourite ingredient that you like to work with?
Cornish fish and shellfish, i.e cod, mullet. We have the best quality local fish available.
What’s your favourite restaurant in the world?
Alinea in Chicago.
What would you say is your signature dish?
Sweet shop dessert.
What is the single most important thing you have learnt about food?
Happy chef, happy food.
What have you got coming up at The Elephant Bar & Brasserie in 2017?
Following the launch of the Elephant Bar & Brasserie in 2016, we are developing some new seasonal menus and dishes. We are also looking to do something in the Bar but can’t say at this stage. Watch this space!
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is one of the finest hotels in the South West of England, do you enjoy the finer things in life?
I always enjoy good coffee. After that I am quite easy to please.
Aside from cooking, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Spending time at home with my family on the farm with our numerous pets.
The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Estate is set in 43 acres of beautiful woodland parkland where guests have the option to stay in the hotel or alternatively, the self-catering Woodland Homes for a more secluded getaway with access to all hotel facilities.
