Speaker Profile

Ashley Palmer-Watts

Chef Director, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Originally from Dorset, Ashley Palmer-Watts’s love of food began with his love of the countryside and his familiarity with the seasons and exceptional produce of the British Isles. An after-school, washing up job in a local restaurant at thirteen ignited a passion for cooking that has resulted in a career spanning over twenty years. 

After leaving school, he started to work at Le Petit Canard in Dorset, where he learnt the fundamental disciplines of the kitchen whilst spending most of his free time visiting regional producers and local suppliers. 

Ashley joined Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in Bray in 1999 when it had just received its first star. 

Within two years, he was promoted to Sous Chef and became Head Chef in 2003.  In 2008, he was appointed Executive Head Chef for The Fat Duck Group.  

Ashley is presently the driving force behind Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in both London and Melbourne and heads up not only the kitchen, but also the whole creative operation of both establishments.  

His creative eye for detail coupled with a great enthusiasm for research and an unending curiosity for historic recipes have enabled him to create, alongside his mentor and friend Heston Blumenthal, the unique menus of modern dishes that have gained international critical recognition and global awards.