Dan Hunter to leave the Royal Mail

Superstar chef Dan Hunter has announced his shock departure from Dunkeld’s award-winning Royal Mail Hotel. Hunter has been travelling in France and Spain and handed in his resignation yesterday, effective as of the end of July.

He is acknowledged for taking the restaurant owned by QC Allan Myers to its three-hatted glory, transforming an anonymous hotel dining room into arguably regional Australia’s most significant restaurant.

Hunter made his name at the two Michelin-starred Mugaritz in Spain’s San Sebastian, successfully transferring its forward-thinking, nature-based cuisine to Dunkeld, putting the western Victorian hamlet on the tourist food map.

The Royal Mail is in damage control over the loss.

“It’s not really a big deal,” says sales and marketing manager Marc Horner, who is confident the existing team can maintain the current standards.

Sous chef Jeff Trotter, who worked under Hunter for two years, is next in command and has been in charge during Hunter’s absence.

“Obviously it’s a slight blow but not one that we are too stressed about,” says Horner.

The big question: will Hunter start something of his own? Horner wouldn’t confirm but didn’t deny that a new venture from his colleague is likely. Another source confirms that Hunter is planning a new venture in Australia, but he won't reveal if it's city or country.

The restaurant's general manager Scott Horn released this statement: “Following Dan’s six years of service to the Royal Mail Hotel it is with sadness that we farewell Dan from the team here in Dunkeld. We would like to sincerely thank him for his outstanding contribution to the Hotel and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.”

The Royal Mail will start looking for a new executive chef and will advertise the position shortly.

Nina Rousseau & Larissa Dubecki