He’s beaten top chefs around the country in competition several times and just a few of the titles under his culinary belt include Norwegian Seafood Chef of the Year in 2007 and being declared petits fours world champion in a hotly contested international competition in 2009.
Dave Waplington’s credentials are outstanding and, having just returned to the newly refurbished Princess Pavilion in Falmouth as head chef, he is busy planning menus that do justice to his award-winning skills.
“I left the Pavilion three years ago to set up my own seafood restaurant and fish bar in Helston,” said Dave who has also worked at The Greenbank and The Falmouth Hotels and who is joined by sous chef Tim Hall and third chef Valerio Fabbretti. “The business was very successful but I have now sold it because I preferred full-time employment in the kitchen to all the additional administration that comes with being an owner.
“The Princess Pavilion is a lovely place to work and I’m really excited about having the opportunity to establish it as one of the best places to eat and drink in Falmouth. There are lots of improvements going on and the team – which includes my sous chef Tim Hall and our third chef Valerio Fabbretti – are very enthusiastic about what is happening.”
The new menus will feature locally sourced ingredients and comprise a range of tried and tested typically British choices, alongside options influenced by Mediterranean or Asian cuisine and the dish that won Dave his Norwegian seafood title – Masala cod served with chick pea gateau and a wild mushroom butter sauce. As a dessert specialist, Dave’s choice of puddings is also likely to be spectacular.
“I love working with chocolate and creating art on a plate,” he said. “There will be plenty of variety to suit every palate.”
The Princess Pavilion is a ‘Better’ venue that is managed by charitable social enterprise GLL. Awarded a 25-year contract by Cornwall Council on 1 April 2017 to run the county’s network of leisure centres and sports facilities, the organisation re-invests all profit into improvements that benefit the local community.
The Garden Room Bar and Restaurant are open daily from 10am to 1030pm. There are lunchtime and evening menus, plus a daily specials board.
For more information, visit the website or call 01326 211222.