New Chef at 4-Star Hotel in Manchester Puts Local Traditions on the Plate

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired - Dec 8, 2014) - Talk to Thomas Gardner, the new Executive Chef at The Dining Rooms at Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, and it's clear he's passionate about food. As with most true experts, however, Gardner's passion isn't limited to his profession. Yes, he loves food -- especially local produce and dishes -- but he's also fascinated by geography and history. And he's bringing that enthusiastic curiosity about life in England's northwest region to bear on the menus of The Dining Rooms.

Gardner's arrival at this international restaurant in Manchester heralds an exciting new chapter in its story. Already The Dining Rooms enjoys the distinction of having earned an AA Rosette Award, and its commitment to local ingredients is established. But Gardner's well-rounded approach to the new menu transcends farmers markets and produce lists to really embrace the region as comprehensively as possible.

"Each dish will transport guests from the coast to the countryside, taking in Lancashire's rich history and geography along the way," Gardner explains. "It is important to me to read and research not only cooking from the Northwest but the region itself in order to give each dish purpose and clarity."

Gardner got his start in Preston, where he underwent classical culinary training before joining the Marriott 17 years ago as an apprentice. Soon after, his talent and commitment earned him the position of senior sous chef. Gardner has worked at Marriott properties throughout most of his career, while other roles, like his appearance as a guest chef at the Bolton Food Festival, have created the diversity of experience necessary for any great Executive Chef.

The Dining Rooms is the flagship restaurant of this premier destination among Manchester hotels. Situated on 200 acres of verdant parkland, the hotel feels like an urban retreat. Guests find themselves a mere seven miles away from the city centre in Manchester, UK, yet they can relax with golf, spa treatments, luxurious accommodations and, of course, unparalleled dining. 

No matter if guests arrive for a vacation or just dinner, they are bound to notice the changes Chef Gardner is implementing at The Dining Rooms. With a background as steeped in local traditions as the restaurant itself, Chef Gardner promises to return The Dining Rooms to its roots and, in so doing, watch the restaurant bloom in exciting new ways.

About Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Offering its guests a stay that is part sophistication, part seclusion, the Worsley Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club makes a distinctive choice. The four-star hotel welcomes visitors with an 18-hole championship golf course, full-service spa and exceptional leisure club, which offers cardiovascular equipment, personal trainers, fitness classes and an indoor pool. Three restaurants range from the AA Rosette-winning The Dining Rooms, to that favourite among hotel bars in Manchester, UK, The Chimney Bar & Lounge. The 158 stylish guest rooms afford views of the garden or golf course and encourage relaxation with high-speed Internet access, luxury toiletries and flat-screen televisions. Plus nine meeting rooms with 520 square metres of space facilitate unforgettable meetings and special events.