Farmhouse Kitchen at Horsley Lodge welcomes new head chef Chris Higham
Farmhouse Kitchen at Horsley Lodge is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Higham as its new Head Chef, officially joining the team on 1st January 2026.
Chris brings an impressive culinary background, with eight years’ experience as a Head Chef, most recently at Darleys Restaurant. His career also includes cooking at three-rosette level and in Michelin-starred kitchens, making his arrival an exciting new chapter for Farmhouse Kitchen as it looks ahead to a vibrant and ambitious year.
Chris is already working on fresh new menus that build on the restaurant’s much-loved identity and loyal following. Farmhouse Kitchen will continue to champion its relaxed gastro pub style, while introducing a broader range of options throughout the day and into the evening. Planned changes include a significantly enhanced lunch menu, a new snack menu for guests enjoying drinks with lighter bites, a larger dinner menu, daily specials and an exciting new breakfast offering. The new menus are due to start go live at the beginning of February.
Alongside day-to-day dining, Chris will also be developing new event menus and delivering a full revamp of the wedding menus, further strengthening Farmhouse Kitchen’s reputation as a standout destination for celebrations and special occasions.
Chris Higham, Head Chef at Farmhouse Kitchen, said:
“Taking on the head chef role at Farmhouse Kitchen is an opportunity I’m really looking forward to. The restaurant has a strong sense of character, a loyal following and a relaxed, welcoming style of dining, set within a location that guests return to time and again. The kitchen refurbishment opens the door to refine and evolve the food with fresh ideas and a clear sense of direction, without losing what makes Farmhouse Kitchen so well loved. My aim is to deliver honest, comforting food people genuinely enjoy using the very best of seasonal British ingredients, combined with solid technique and a relentless commitment to high standards. Horsley Lodge has real ambition for the future and I’m excited to be part of what’s coming next.”
Elaine Butler, General Manager at Horsley Lodge, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Chris to Farmhouse Kitchen. His experience, passion, drive and ambition, not to mention his impeccable reputation, are exactly what we were looking for. Already, Chris has brought such great energy to the team. Our guests love the relaxed gastro pub style we are known for, and Chris is enhancing that with exciting new menu options, from breakfast through to dinner, as well as updated wedding and event menus. We are all excited for the year ahead and for what 2026 will bring and we cannot wait for everyone to see and be a part of what Horsley Lodge has planned.”
Chris’s appointment reflects Horsley Lodge’s continued commitment to delivering memorable dining experiences, exceptional events and quality food rooted in great ingredients and warm hospitality.
To book your table and experience one of Derbyshire’s most loved dining spots, visit www.horsleylodgeestate.co.uk/dining.
For more information visit www.horsleylodgeestate.co.uk or call 01332 780 838.