Meet the team

Neil Haydock 

As executive chef of Watergate Bay Hotel, Neil oversees all of the hotel’s food offerings including three restaurants - The Beach Hut, The Living Space and Zacry’s.

Inspiration and background

Neil works with a collection of handpicked suppliers and takes inspiration for his dishes from around the world to constantly produce diverse and contemporary menus. Zacry’s shows off Neil’s passion for contemporary American cuisine, whilst The Beach Hut is more laid back with burgers, mussels and seafood. Neil and his team are constantly building on Watergate Bay’s reputation as an outstanding food destination.

Neil’s decision to become a chef was made very early and throughout his career he has retained this passion for local, seasonal foods; seeking out small-scale artisan producers to give his menus a real sense of place.

Raised in Lancashire as the grandson of a gamekeeper, Neil went on to live and work in South Africa for several years before taking on senior roles at a number of highly regarded restaurants, including the Sandy Lane Hotel in Barbados, Terence Conran’s Bluebird in London and most recently, as Executive Chef at Fifteen Cornwall.

Twice in four years, Neil and his team at Watergate Bay were awarded Best Foodie Hotel as voted for by Food Magazine readers.

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Neil's American road trip

Fast times

Discover our restaurants

Here to dine, or barefoot from the beach? Choose from three different eating and drinking spots.

Zacry's

Fusing international influence with local produce, a three-course menu showcasing the best of the season.

Zacry's restaurant

The Living Space

Sofa, armchair, banquette or ocean-view terrace? Antipasti plates, seasonal salad or hearty fillers?

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The Beach Hut

Laid-back, breezy and modern, The Beach Hut blends considered food and a warm welcome.

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Discover our recipes

Twelve drinks of Christmas 2024

This year’s Twelve Drinks of Christmas menu serves up a sparkling flavour of the Bay. Find out more.

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Introducing Watergate Bay x Loveday Gin

Bracing dips. Refreshing clifftop walks. Sun-warmed siestas. Mellow golden hours. Bright and zesty, our limited edition Watergate Bay Hotel gin created by award-winning Cornish craft spirit makers, Loveday, distils the essence of the Bay in every sip.

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Good food, well earned

We speak to three nutrition and exercise experts to find out the relationship between getting active outdoors and good food, including ten top tips.

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Atlantic Christmas pudding cocktail recipe

The Christmas pudding in this cocktail comes from the Atlantic distillery. Follow the recipe here.

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Helford blue, spring onion & thyme tart recipe

Straight out of Emily Scott's new cookbook get the recipe for this salad onion, leek and creme fraiche tart with thyme and Cornish Helford blue cheese. Discover the recipe.

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Sophie Allport's top 10 tips for a Cornish beach picnic

Laying on a blanket, sipping an ice-cold drink, and eating your way through your favourite foods. Read Sophie Allport's top 10 picnic tips.

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