Kit Chapman is the Proprietor of The Castle at Taunton, perhaps the most famous castle hotel in England and one of the West Country’s great landmarks. Visit www.the-castle-hotel.com
He is a well-known personality on the British hotel and restaurant scene, and as a bon viveur, writer and television presenter, he has been a vigorous campaigner for improving culinary standards in this country. In 1989, he was appointed MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his work in hospitality and the tourism industry.
Kit has written four books. His two volumes of Great British Chefs were award-winning studies of the state of gastronomy in the UK. An Innkeeper’s Diary, published in 1999, is an amusing and waspish account of a year in his life at The Castle. And his fourth book, My Archipelago, an epic saga about the turbulent history of his family, was published in September 2010. Visit www.myarchipelago.co.uk
Kit lives in Somerset with his wife, Louise, and their two black Labradors, Flo and Inky. They have two sons: Dominic – married to Helena – is a Michelin Starred chef, and Nicholas – married to Annabel – is a new media entrepreneur. Kit and Louise are also blessed with four beautiful grandchildren, Daniel, Oliver, Kitty and Benjamin.
Hi Kit
Great photo taken in Skiathos, totally relevent for the
book cover , GOOD LUCK with the future sales
I totally endorse the Nick Clegg comments although
today’s results in the polls remain to be seen .
After my cross at 7am today I hope and pray for a strong
BLUE result , as ever the eternal optimist.
W
Thank you, W!
Don’t despair… whatever the result of the Election, just keep thinking Aegean Blue…
Now, L & I are off to cast our vote.
KC
I have thoroughly enjoyed your ascerbic and trenchant writing, and when I prepare a new dish in my kitchen, I often use the yardstick “I wonder what Kit Chapman would think of this?”.
You are an inspiration in these days of blandness and profanity, and your fine example is a barbed arrow striking deep into the heart of chavdom.
My heartiest best wishes to you and yours.
Steve Robey
Keen amateur cook (with a valid debit card, in case I ever visit The Castle!)
Dear Christopher, Kit,
Having read My Archipelago, it induced so many memories of my time at the Castle.
1964 to 1970, and1972. you, a couple of years older than I, Gerald being younger.
Re Penthouse parties, I was the chosen one, by Etty when the top floor was built and the parties began. Many stories I could recite.
Do you remember your 21st, a Greek style celebration,which included Greek style dress for the waiting staff, in the old SDR, I was ordered to attend to your parents table only, which of course included Edward du Cann MP. (Tory).
Mrs C inspected my personal attire prior to theatre, She remarked how resplendent I looked. I was dressed mainly in RED !!! I realised the possible outcome of this and promptly swapped a few bits with others to wear mostly blue, I received a bollocking when she saw the change of attire,then after explanation of why I did this Etty came forth with, “Oh Pouluo? to Mr C (spelling) he is wise, he is from milverton but he is wise.
Kav
How amazing,
We moved to Pafos 19 months ago from Taunton. Apart from our children, – the ‘Castle’ is the only reason for us to ever return to the U.k.
Kit and Louise have been extremely good to us, and we treasure our time there.
We had our farewell drinks party in the Penthouse in March, 2,009
We have re-kindled our friendship with Sir Edward Du Cann, – who lives here now,also!!
Fiona and John Merritt.
Hope Kit is keeping well!?
Hello Fiona & John!
Thank you for your kind words. Louise and I hope we shall welcome you both back to The Castle one day. Meanwhile, please send our warmest greetings to Sir Edward.
Kit Chapman
Dear Kit,
I just got your book trough a guest of mine that flew out on holidays.
I literally read it in a day, thank you ever so much!!!
having been working for you and had the pleasure and honor of working for your family, it was an uncommon experience to read trough the pages and see like in a film in front of my eyes, the images of your good self, Etty, that simply wonderful person that was your father, and of course Louise, always there, silently smiling, and supporting.
I hope you are well as your wife, in the whole of my career the moment at the Castle are the one which i cherished and remember the most, I have learned so much and progressed so much thanks to the Castle and of course you.
Keep doing what you do at best, writing, Hosting, Living
My best personal Regards
Rocco
[…] About Kit Chapman […]
Hello Mr. Chapman…I really enjoyed wandering through your Castle website – it took me back to my youth when summer holidays were spent in Cornwall and Devon. I don’t know if you can help, but I’m looking for a DVD version of the Red Carpet Hospitality series that you co-produced a few years back. Any information or leads would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance for any assistance you ca provide.
Dear Susan Walklate,
Thank you for your message. As far as I know, there are no DVD versions of Red Carpet. But I believe it is possible to convert a tape to DVD… But on that I am unable to advise!
With my good wishes,
Kit Chapman