Headlam Hall promotes new general manager

County Durham-based hotel Headlam Hall has promoted Austen Shaw from head chef to general manager, succeeding David Jackson.

Austen first joined the family-run 17th century hotel near Darlington in 1999 as a chef de partie and was promoted to head chef in 2003. 

After a period running his own business and working at Darlington patisserie Robineau, he returned in 2018 and most recently led the kitchen before stepping into the general manager role.

His promotion mirrors that of his predecessor, who also progressed from the kitchen into senior leadership.

Austen said: “This has always been my goal, I’ve always wanted more, to seek the next challenge. 

“I came here in 1999 and even though I left for a bit of a sabbatical, Headlam Hall has been my life.

“I met my wife, Kate, here - she was the restaurant manager at the time and we’ve been together 25 years so when I was asked to come back in 2018 by David, I knew it was the right thing to do.

“Last year, I sat down with the family and they asked if I would be interested in taking on the role of general manager as David had expressed his interest in retiring…and here we are. 

“It’s a new challenge and I’m enjoying it. 

“I have lots of fresh ideas and am really looking forward to putting my stamp on the hotel, while continuing to keep those wonderful family values at its heart.”

David added: “I remember Austen coming in for a job interview and it was really nice to see him work his way up and become head chef. 

“It was even better to be able to get him back many years later, when he returned with even more knowledge and experience.

“Now it’s time to hand over the reins, it’s good to know I’m passing them onto someone who is as committed and passionate about Headlam Hall as I am. 

“From March 1, I’ll still be here on a Sunday - Sunday’s are a bit of a social gathering and I really enjoy them. I

“t’s almost like I’ve come full circle, but I don’t think I could ever stay away totally.”

Following the move, Richard Allen has been promoted from sous chef to head chef, strengthening the hotel’s culinary team as it enters its next chapter.

Thomas Robinson, owner of Headlam Hall, added: “It’s almost bittersweet – we’re thrilled to be filling the General Manager position with an existing member of our team – but it’s also the end of an era as David steps down.

“David has been a respected and well-loved member of our team for the past 30 years but we have every confidence that Austen is the perfect fit. 

“His knowledge of the industry and our family-run business makes him the ideal person to replace David and we look forward to continuing the exceptional standards which we’ve become accustomed to.”

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