Simon Radley
Simon Radley | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1965 Manchester, England |
| Occupation | Chef |
| Years active | 1980s–2022 |
| Known for | Executive chef at Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor (Michelin-starred restaurant) |
Simon Radley (born 1965) is a British culinary professional who formerly held the position of executive chef at the restaurant Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor, previously known as Arkle. This establishment, part of the Chester Grosvenor and Spa hotel in the United Kingdom, maintained its Michelin star for three decades but lost the distinction in 2022 following Radley’s exit.
Early life and career
Radley was born in Manchester in 1965 and spent his early years relocating to Tring, Hertfordshire. He pursued a catering qualification at Crewe College (currently South Cheshire College) and gained initial hospitality experience working briefly as a waiter in Mâcon. Upon returning to England, he took on a chef role in Wilmslow before joining Chester Grosvenor and Spa in 1986 as a chef de partie.
Identified for his talent, Radley enhanced his culinary expertise with a year-long tenure at Inigo Jones in London under the guidance of renowned chef Paul Gayler. He made his way back to Chester Grosvenor in 1988, and by 1990, the restaurant had secured its inaugural Michelin star. His professional growth continued internationally with positions at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, alongside executive chef appointments at New Hall Manor and Nunsmere Hall Hotel.
Career with Chester Grosvenor and Spa
In 1998, Radley returned to Chester Grosvenor and Spa as executive chef and catering director, overseeing all hotel dining venues, menu development, corporate catering services, and recruitment efforts. The restaurant underwent refurbishment in 2008 and was rebranded as Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor. It reclaimed its Michelin star in 2009, representing its 19th consecutive year holding this honor—an achievement shared by only five restaurants across the UK.
Following an extended closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Radley’s departure, the restaurant lost its Michelin star in 2022. Plans are set for reopening mid-2022 under the leadership of Elliot Hill, an executive chef native to Chester, after further renovations.