Hand Picked Hotels, a distinguished collection of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands, is delighted to announce Executive Chef at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Dion Wyn Jones has been awarded the prestigious title of National Chef of Wales 2026 by the Culinary Association of Wales.
This national award scheme recognises exceptional skill in gastronomy, culinary creativity and professionalism testing chefs over multiple heats and with a seven chef shortlist in the final stage.
Dion Wyn Jones, who has been Executive Chef at the renowned Cheshire hotel, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa for over four years, stunned the judges with his culinary creations. In the final he opened with poached cod with Welsh seafood mousse and seaweed, spinach, bisque estimated, crispy leeks, potato pearls and samphire oil. His main course was pan-roasted Welsh Lamb canon with lovage crust, braised lamb baklava, carrot puree, fondant potato, pickled shallots and rosemary jus. He finished with a dessert of chocolate mousse, poached pear, almond biscuit, dried pear, Penderyn and honey syrup.
Core to his menu selection at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is the use of high quality fresh British ingredients, interesting flavour combinations and exceeding gastronomy norms. These principles contributed to the three AA rosettes acclaim that the hotel restaurant has achieved in recent years.
Dion Wyn Jones, Executive Chef said:
“Winning National Chef of Wales is a huge honour especially as I am a proud Welshman. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement from the team at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa and Hand Picked Hotels, which allowed me to push myself and compete at this level.”
James Wiseman, General Manager, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa said,
“With Dion at the helm of The Restaurant at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, every day we are delivering simple, elegant and imaginative menus of contemporary vibrant British food. He champions the finest fresh local produce to curate seasonal fare, delivering flavourful dishes which is why we are extremely pleased to see his talent recognised with this national title.”
Julia Hands, Chair of Hand Picked Hotels commented:
“Delivering exceptional food and wine experiences at our hotels is at the heart of Hand Picked Hotels. Awards like this encourage the team to strive for excellence which is why we are incredibly pleased to see Dion’s talent being recognised on a national level.”
Julia Hands continued, “We are passionate about investing in our people and actively encourage and support our talented chefs to develop, compete and succeed at the highest level. This award is a wonderful reflection of that commitment.”