Alex Aitken

Harbour Hotels ends its relationship with chef Gary Rhodes

11th August 2010, 10:30am

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."

Related Articles:

• 18 Nov 2010 - Contract caterer Harbour & Jones partners with Henry Moore Foundation to relaunch Hertfordshire pub

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Sarah Lane

11 August 2010 at 12:11pm

Such a pity - Rhodes South made it worth travelling down to the South Coast to see family and friends. Can't see an ex-trawlerman who once won a Michelin star 15 years ago, is quite going to be the same thing.

John Bradd

07 September 2010 at 12:25am

This was a fantastic restaurant, with great staff and a chef who could make food taste out of this world. just about everything was perfect. I fear it is changing fast and wishing to change its image. Staff no longer wear ties, table cloths have been removed, the menu has no chicken, duck, pork or lamb on it. The cheese trolley with cheese from far and wide have been removed and now it is served chilled fresh from the fridge! Prices have increased significantly even though it is run by a much lesser known chef. Time will tell but I fear things are not going in the right direction although i desperately hope i am wrong.

Matt Woods

29 September 2010 at 11:58am

Sarah Lane I am afraid you are very wrong in that statement. The food that was served at all of Alex's former restaurants was exceptional and I expect the Jetty to be the same. I was not impressed when eating at Rhodes South, so will look forward to trying the Jetty out.

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