Chef
Robby Jenks
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Ambleside, United Kingdom
Known for
- Executive Head Chef at The Samling in Windermere, Cumbria
- Helped The Samling regain a Michelin star after it lost the star in 2017
- Career progression through Gidleigh Park, Amberley Castle, and The Vineyard near Newbury
i. Biography
He says, “I just really enjoyed the lifestyle and culture of the environment, very team orientated and going out together at night after work.”
The Path
Service kitchens leave their mark through repetition, standards, and pace, and Robby Jenks’s early years at Amberley Castle in West Sussex seem to have done exactly that. As Head Chef there, he worked in a setting where polish and discipline were part of the daily brief, and where detail carried its own weight. That kind of post tends to shape habits as much as menus. By the time Jenks reached The Samling Hotel, the emphasis on exacting execution was already part of the job. Since 2019, as Executive Head Chef, he has been working within a kitchen where the surroundings are elegant and the expectations match them.
The Work Today
At The Samling Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, Robby Jenks cooks with seasons as the frame and local and national produce as the material. The work is built on precision: a style that looks to combine invention with control, and to keep each dish composed rather than overworked. Seasonal cooking here is not treated as a limit but as a structure, giving the kitchen a clear basis for decisions and a defined edge in execution. The result is measured and calm, with the final pass handled in a way that keeps the work exact.
Signature
Robby's signature dishes include The Samling Tasting Menu and a seasonal fish recipe with salmon and cucumber and wasabi ice cream. The first indicates range and structure in the kitchen’s output; the second shows a preference for contrast, with fish set against sharper, cooler elements.
Acclaim
Robby's honors include Acorn Award.
Profile updated August 2026
FAQ
Asked of Robby
What is Robby Jenks's current role?
As of 2026, Robby Jenks is Executive Head Chef.
Where did Robby Jenks work before?
Robby Jenks's earlier career included Amberley Castle.
What recognition has Robby Jenks received?
Acorn Award (2016).
