Harbour Hotels ends its relationship with chef Gary Rhodes

Alex Aitken

Harbour Hotels, owner of the Christchurch Harbour Hotel has brought to a close its relationship with chef Gary Rhodes at its Rhodes South restaurant at Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Dorset.

Michelin-starred chef Alex Aitken has been appointed to re-launch the waterfront restaurant as The Jetty from 10th August 2010.

Mark Godfrey MD of the Harbour Hotels Group explained the reasons behind the move: "It has become clear that the era of the international celebrity chef doesn't necessarily produce the best local food results, rather than a destination restaurant, we have elected for a much more local presence.

"Every restaurant needs total focus and direction and we are delighted to have sourced well known and respected local chef Alex Aitken, formerly director of cuisine at Lime Wood in the New Forest. Alex will be heading up the team at The Jetty, a name we feel is absolutely in keeping with the restaurant's location and the atmosphere we want to create."

Alex Aitken started his career as a trawler man and this 'raw' fishing experience proved invaluable and a culinary asset to Alex during his subsequent career as a chef. Twenty five years of cooking within the New Forest, including many years running his own highly-acclaimed restaurant, Le Poussin in Brockenhurst, Hampshire, led Alex to his Michelin star in 1995. 

Following a move to Parkhill, a country house hotel at Lyndhurst, Alex became a partner and director of cuisine when Parkhill was developed into the luxurious Lime Wood.

"It's a fantastic opportunity to bring my food to Dorset. The menu will have a mix of my favourite dishes and stunning seafood," said the newly-appointed chef.

Christie + Co advised Harbour Hotels in the appointment of Alex Aitken as executive chef at The Jetty at Christchurch Harbour Hotel in Dorset.

Simon Stevens, director , explained more: "We are pleased to have helped Harbour Hotels with the appointment of Alex as the company's new executive chef and look forward to him growing The Jetty at Christchurch Harbour Hotel's reputation both locally and nationally."

Words: Clare Riley

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