Doug Crampton, Chef Patron, Eight at Gazegill

Chef Patron of Eight at Gazegill, Doug Crampton, is a Leeds lad, born and bred. He began his culinary career when he was just 15, getting his first job as a kitchen porter.

Doug started getting involved in little bits of service, found that he was really enjoying it and realized that this was what he wanted to do. Shunning all appeals for him to do A-levels, he instead went to catering college. Whilst at college, he began working part-time at Anthony’s – the best restaurant in Leeds at the time with 3 AA Rosettes and continued to refine his skills until he went full-time after finishing college.

Doug was headhunted as Sous Chef in 2010 for James Martin Leeds Restaurant and subsequently led the launch of James Martin Manchester in 2013. Doug went on to be executive chef of the award-winning dining experience, offering classic and innovative British cuisine; locally sourced, big on flavour achieving the Sunday Times Top 50 accolade.

Doug joined Eight at Gazegill as Chef Patron in late 2023 with the restaurant officially opening in March 2024. Located on and owned by the family of Gazegill Organics Farm in Rimington near Gisburn, Eight at Gazegill showcases the organic produce of the farm through the dishes served in the restaurant.  Using ingredients such as the home-reared organic pork and the organic raw milk to promote food sustainability and low food mileage, Doug and the team are aiming to make Eight at Gazegill the best genuine ‘farm-to-fork’ dining destination in the UK.