Our Head Chef Patron Peter Wilton

Growing up in rural Cornwall, I have enjoyed cooking from a very young age, from baking with my mum, to cooking at family gatherings.

I moved to London in 2008 to work as a commis chef at Rhodes W1 in the Cumberland hotel, I found my passion for the industry. This passion developed further by working at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which was awarded their second Michelin star and voted the 5th best restaurant in the world during my time there.

After a 7 year stint in London, I teamed back up with Paul Welburn who I have worked the best part of the last decade with. Where being his Sous chef at the Oxford Kitchen, I played my part in bringing the first Michelin star back to the City of Oxford for 33 years, which was certainly a career high.

Being part of the team at The Cygnet at the Swan since the beginning and seeing the business and team grow has been a great experience. I am excited to be leading the kitchen and helping the business move forward in the coming months.

Having attained a hospitality degree in France, Karen moved to the UK in 2013 taking on a position at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Karen realised that to fulfil her ambition of improving her English she would need to work front of house. By 2019, while working at Le Manoir as Assistant Restaurant Manager, Karen won the UK Gold Service Scholarship to become a Gold Scholar, based on her outstanding front of house skills. At The Swan Karen ensures the ship runs smoothly!