Thornton Hall Hotel Welcomes Acclaimed Chef Richard Collingwood to Lead The Lawns

A culinary star takes the helm at The Lawns, where seasonal flavors meet bold innovation. Can this chef redefine fine dining at Thornton Hall?

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2026 March 27 . 7:14 AM

1 min read

The image shows a restaurant with tables and chairs in front of it, located in Paris, France. The... — The image shows a restaurant with tables and chairs in front of it, located in Paris, France. The restaurant is called Le 31 Massena and is known for its Italian cuisine. The walls are adorned with boards with text, and there is a door leading into the store. Inside the store, there are various objects, giving the restaurant a cozy atmosphere.

Thornton Hall Hotel Welcomes Acclaimed Chef Richard Collingwood to Lead The Lawns

Thornton Hall Hotel has appointed Richard Collingwood as the new head chef of its fine-dining restaurant, The Lawns. The venue recently earned an AA Rosette for its high-quality food, adding to the hotel's growing reputation for excellence. Collingwood brings over 16 years of experience, including roles in Michelin-starred and AA Rosette-awarded kitchens. The Lawns restaurant has already gained recognition for its culinary standards. It received an AA Rosette, a mark of outstanding food quality. The hotel itself was also listed in the Michelin Guide 2019 and awarded the AA Silver Star for its high standards of hospitality.

Collingwood's appointment follows a career shaped by seasonality and bold flavours. His cooking style centres on fresh, seasonal ingredients like wild garlic, forced rhubarb, morels, jersey royals, and asparagus. Before joining Thornton Hall, he worked in several prestigious kitchens, refining his approach to modern British cuisine. Geoff Dale, the hotel's general manager, welcomed the new chef's arrival. He described Collingwood as a valuable addition to the team, likely to further elevate The Lawns' dining experience.

The Lawns now operates under Collingwood's leadership, with a focus on seasonal dishes and clear flavours. The restaurant's recent AA Rosette and the hotel's Michelin Guide listing highlight its rising status. Guests can expect a menu that reflects both tradition and innovation in the months ahead.