A New Captain in the Kitchen
A New Captain in the Kitchen
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is delighted to welcome Dan Austin to the crew as the brand-new Head Chef.
2026 is an exciting moment for the Dockyard, with the Commissioner’s House reopening this Summer as a sophisticated new hospitality venue. As Head Chef, Dan will design and develop menus for weddings, private functions, and business events across the Dockyard.
He will be responsible for the leadership and supervision of the kitchen team across all outlets, ensuring that our catering continues to meet the highest possible standards.
Dan comes with a superb wealth of experience, most recently as Head Chef at Balfour Winery in Staplehurst.
Olivia Horner, Director of Commercial & Operations, said, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Dan to the team at such a pivotal moment for the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. The reopening of the Commissioner’s House—Britain’s oldest naval officers’ residence—requires a culinary vision that respects our 400-year legacy while delivering a modern, first-class experience for our guests. Dan’s expertise will ensure that the dining at the Commissioner’s House will cement the Historic Dockyard’s reputation not just as a site of global maritime importance, but as a premier destination for exceptional events and hospitality.”
New Head Chef, Dan Austin, said, “I’m very pleased to be joining the team at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham. As a lifelong resident of the Medway Towns, I’m well aware of the important connection that the Dockyard has with my home, both historically and today. I’m very much hoping to make good use of the outstanding produce that Kent and Britain have to offer and showcase it in such a unique setting. Alongside the reopening of the Commissioner’s house, now is a great time to look at maximising the offer from our other venues- the Mess Deck restaurant and Wagon Stop cafe, making best use of the same quality local ingredients. It’s an enormous privilege to be ‘coming aboard’ at such an exciting time!“
