Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley has recently welcomed a new Executive Chef to help strengthen and diversify the deluxe resort’s Food & Beverage (F&B) offering.

Gavin Robertson brings over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality sector to his new role, and will now manage a kitchen brigade of 40 staff at the 4.5-star resort.

He is responsible for overseeing the kitchens and food product at the resort’s two restaurants and bars including  Redsalt Restaurant, Grapevine Café-Bar and Vista Lounge. Gavin will also work with Allison Rosemond, the newly appointed Crowne Meetings Director, to revitalise Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s banqueting business.

Gavin has already introduced a modern steakhouse concept to Redsalt Restaurant and has brought healthier and more family-friendly menu options to Grapevine Café-Bar.

The new chef has revamped the resort’s banquet and conference & events (C&E) offerings to provide guests with a restaurant-quality shared dining experience, introducing a new table banquet package and new canapés and plated-menu options.

Gavin has also revitalised Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley’s Villa Dining offering, where guests can enjoy fine dining from the comfort and privacy of their villas. The menu transformation has included additional fresh Hunter Valley produce in the form of shared platters and classical favourites such as pizzas and BBQ packs, to be enjoyed with the region’s top wines.

Originally from Fife, Scotland, Gavin commenced his hospitality career as a Chef de Partie at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, a renowned luxury golf resort. 

Gavin joined the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) family in 1995 as Senior Chef de Partie at InterContinental Wellington. From there, Gavin has held several senior chef positions within IHG including executive positions at Holiday Inn Suva, Holiday Inn Cairns, Holiday Inn Townsville, the former Crowne Plaza Christchurch and more recently,  Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach.

During his 25-year tenure, Gavin has worked across four countries spanning Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Scotland.

Gavin recently relocated from Sydney’s eastern suburbs to reside in Cessnock with his fiancé Skye.