Hospitalfield appoint Elaine Chalmers as Head Chef and open for Christmas bookings
Renowned Scottish chef Elaine Chalmers has returned to her homeland to head up the new Hospitalfield Cafe following a 30 year spell in London where her cooking was a cornerstone of the burgeoning art scene in East London in the late 1990s. As co founder and Head Chef of Shoreditch Electric Showrooms and latterly her own restaurant A Little of What You Fancy, Elaine attracted rave reviews in the press and was visited by Yoko Ono, Bjork, Pet Shop Boys, Pam Hogg, Louise Gray, Janet Street-Porter and many other creatives.
Now visitors to Hospitalfield’s Cafe will have the opportunity to enjoy what Dundee born Elaine describes her cooking style as “relaxed and homely, nothing fussy, I like to bring people together by the love of good food”.
Speaking on arrival at Hospitalfield Elaine said:
“I came across this opportunity by chance on social media and wanted to know more. I loved the look of the building and the exciting projects Hospitalfield do, and thought it would be a brilliant project to take on the kitchen.”
I am looking forward to building up the relationships we have and to get more local suppliers from Angus into Hospitalfield, using the produce that they grow and sell and supporting them. It’s all about community for me, that’s what I would like to create. In the future I would like to introduce supper clubs, evening dinners, Sunday roasts and special events so I’m particularly excited for diners to enjoy the new Christmas menus I have been working on.”
In addition to enjoying Elaine’s food at Hospitalfeld’s Cafe, the 19th Century Arts & Crafts House and former art school in Arbroath will open its doors for Christmas dining serving a seasonal menu for lunch and dinner taking group bookings from Thursday 2nd November to Wednesday 21st December. Groups of 14 and over will have the opportunity to dine in one of the building’s historic rooms boasting examples of stunning craftsmanship and memorable art, collected and commissioned by Elizabeth Allan Fraser and her husband artist Patrick Allan Fraser. Larger groups can enjoy a private dining experience at the Hospitalfield Cafe designed by award winning architects Caruso St John who have also restored the adjacent Victorian Fernery.
The three course menu with a glass a fizz for £45 (£40 veg.) comes with a vegetarian and vegan option and plates include:
- Confit chicken leg, duck fat roast potatoes, braised red cabbage with apple served with roast parsnips, honey, pigs in blankets, chicken gravy, bread sauce and cranberry
- White winter dauphinoise, curly kale, roast carrots roast parsnips
- Stuffed pumpkin. Farro, leek, chestnut, roast potatoes with bay, braised red cabbage with apple, gravy
Sweet options include:
- Chocolate Christmas cake
- Olive oil cake, baked quince
- Pavlova with berries, pistachios
Elaine has also created a canapes menu for events.
Booking enquiries can be made directly by emailing Simon@hospitalfield.org.uk.
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