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

Seasonal three-course menu showcasing the best of Cornish produce.

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 2025

Discover the flavours and colours of this years Twelve Drinks of Christmas, as explained by local mixologist Meg Clark.

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Coconut & Cranberry Mojito

Discover the seasonal flavour pairing of coconut and cranberry in our tropical take on a classic Mojito.

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Cherry Negroni

Let this fruity take on a Negroni be the cherry on top of your celebrations, with Luxardo cherry, Campari and our lemony Watergate Bay x Loveday Gin.

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Coast Path G&T

Taste the flavours of a Cornish coast path in full bloom, with this enlivening mix of sloe, lemon, elderflower and mint.

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Watergate Whiteout

With decadent dessert flavours of banana bread, coffee, maple and sea salt, this Watergate spin on a White Russian features sustainable rum made from discarded banana peel.

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Jolly Bolly

Our celebratory sparkling Champagne Bollinger cocktail, brought to life with seasonal notes of citrus and mulled spices.

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