The Chef Behind the Experience
Food at the heart of Merewood
Merewood’s talented Head Chef, Ambrus, brings creativity, technical skill, and genuine curiosity to every dish. His approach blends science and flavour, tradition and innovation, with an eye for beautifully presented dishes.
With three dining experiences to enjoy, Merewood is proud to offer something for every guest – from refined tasting menus in our Arboreal restaurant to beautifully presented Afternoon Tea or more familiar favourites crafted with care in our Grill restaurant.
Meet Head Chef Ambrus
Hungarian born and passionate about his craft, Ambrus joined Merewood in 2016 as a Commis Chef. Throughout his career, he’s worked across many areas of catering, including front of house and bar service, giving him a wide understanding of what makes a truly memorable guest experience.
Before becoming a chef, Ambrus originally graduated as a historian, and that love of food history still shapes his cooking today. He’s fascinated by the role food plays in culture, tradition, and memory – and you’ll often see those influences appear in the dishes served at Merewood.
Inspired by Nature, Seasonality, and Foraging
A self-described “big city boy”, moving to the countryside opened Ambrus’ eyes to a new world of ingredients – from wild herbs and woodland flavours to the joy of growing produce and building dishes from the ground up.
The Lake District landscape isn’t just scenery at Merewood – it’s inspiration!
With a focus on foraging, seasonal ingredients, and exploring the “roots” of flavour combinations, Ambrus creates dishes that feel connected to Cumbria, yet influenced by his international background and experiences.
A Truly International Kitchen
Ambrus is passionate about building an ambitious team and has worked to create a diverse, international kitchen, where different backgrounds, techniques, and ideas contribute to the experience on the plate.
That global perspective continues to shape Merewood’s food identity today, blending craftsmanship, personality, and creativity.
More Than a Stay - A Taste of Merewood
From breakfast to tasting menus, afternoon treats to evening dining, Merewood is a hotel where food plays a leading role – and where every guest can choose the experience that suits their mood.
We look forward to welcoming you to Merewood – for the views, the comfort, and most of all, the unforgettable flavours.
Enquire About Dining
Contact Details
Merewood Country House Hotel
Windermere, LA23 1LH
Call +44 015394 46484
Email [email protected]
Our Recent Awards
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