Cambium, the flagship restaurant at Careys Manor Hotel in Brockenhurst, first opened its doors 10 years ago this autumn. Read its ten years story here.
When Cambium first opened its doors ten years ago as Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa’s flagship restaurant, it wasn't merely a restaurant—it was a blossoming vision, rooted in the New Forest and aspiring to capture the very soul of nature on every plate. The name Cambium—the living, growing rings of a tree—was no accident. It spoke to regeneration, growth, and deep-rooted local connection, and it set the tone for a journey that remains ever-evolving and nourishing. As this much-loved New Forest restaurant celebrates ten years, we look back at its celebrated chefs and dishes over the years.
In the Beginning: Paul Peters and the Birth of a new New Forest restaurant - Cambium
Led by Australian chef Paul Peters, formerly of the Black Swan and alum of culinary greats like John Burton-Race and Marco Pierre White, the local restaurant debuted at Careys Manor with finesse and flair. His launch menu intertwined nature and artistry—from scallops crowned with celeriac, pear, and candied hazelnuts, to a languid six-course tasting finale featuring dark chocolate pavé, caramelised banana, and thyme-tinged honey ice cream. It felt both familiar and entirely new—a forest reborn in flavour.
Growing Roots: Alistair Craig’s Era
Chef Alistair Craig then took the helm, deepening Cambium’s commitment to the woodland’s larder. Local ingredients became stars of his creations. Think goats' cheese panna cotta with garden beetroot, or brown crab paired with avocado and grapefruit granita—each bite was a testament to New Forest produce.
Under Craig’s watch, Cambium earned the title of Hotel Restaurant of the Year (South) at the Food Awards England 2017. His menus, featuring local beef sirloin, oxtail ravioli, smoked mushroom tarragon gnocchi, and elegant desserts like baklava with mascarpone ice cream, were as inventive as they were rooted in place.
Now: Dylan James and Seasonal Sophistication
Today, Dylan James leads the kitchen. With a background that includes time at the Michelin-starred Goring Hotel and working alongside Michael Caines, his approach marries classical technique with British refinement, and a dash of global flair!
Dylan’s menus respond directly to the seasons and the local bounty. In spring and summer, expect New Forest asparagus with truffle emulsion and duck egg, smoked chalk-stream trout with samphire, or butternut squash risotto with hazelnut crumb and sage. His menus are bright, vibrant, and utterly of the moment.
The Essence of Cambium’s Legacy
Over ten years, Cambium at Careys Manor Hotel has remained true to its forest-inspired soul. With each era bringing new rings of flavour, design, and hospitality. From Peters’ elegant launch menus to Craig’s hyper-local storytelling plates, and now Dylan’s season-led flavours, Cambium has continuously invited guests to taste the New Forest; with history, heart, and an ever-welcoming table.
To explore the current menu at Cambium and book a table, click here!
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa luxury spa hotel in Brockenhurst
From royal hunting lodge to state-of-the-art spa, Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa is an adult’s retreat that’s steeped in history and keeps its rich heritage at heart.
