Meet the Chef

Mark Leavers (left) handing over the baton to Saul Vickery (right)

After 17 years of dedicated service, we bid a fond farewell to our talented Head Chef, Mark Leavers, as he retires from the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel. Mark first joined us in 2001, and with his calm, professional approach, he has successfully led our kitchen team, delighting guests with his exceptional cuisine. His passion for quality, consistency, and innovation has been at the heart of our dining experience, ensuring every meal has been crafted with care.

While we will miss his humour, singing, and unwavering dedication, we wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement. His contributions to the hotel have been invaluable, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for the years of hard work he has put into making our dining experience so special.

Now, Mark is passing the baton to Saul Vicary, who recently joined us as our new Head Chef. Saul brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked at two prestigious four-star hotels in Sidmouth and successfully running his own restaurant for many years. Over the past few months, he has worked closely with Mark to ensure a seamless transition, getting to know our team and perfecting the dishes our guests love.

With Saul’s enthusiasm, expertise, and passion for fine cuisine, we are excited for this new chapter. Guests can continue to expect the same exceptional standard of classic and modern dishes, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and served with the same attention to detail that defines our dining experience. We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy Saul’s culinary creations and wish him every success in his new role at the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel.