Chef returns to where his career first blossomed

Chef Cameron Cansdell has returned to where his career took off by starting as Culinary Director at Central Coast hotspot Bells at Killcare.

Cansdell moved to the Central Coast 17 years ago when Karina and Brian Barry founded Bells at Killcare, and was the first head chef under the then Culinary Director, Stefano Manfredi.

The duo established a popular multi-award winning restaurant and the famed Bells kitchen garden, which had a big influence on changing the dining scene on the Central Coast.

While at Bells at Killcare, Cameron met then restaurant manager Hayley Hardcastle and in 2014 they married and went on to open Bombini at Avoca Beach, Fish Dining and Saddles at Mt White.

Cansdell's return coincides with the opening of The Lodges at Bells (below), where guests will have the option of booking a private chefs dinner in the luxury of their own lodge.

The Barrys said: "We look forward to this next chapter: Cameron’s simple and ethical approach to food, seasonally focused menus and humble nature have always been part of Bells DNA, so his return is like family coming home."

The menu at Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells will be revamped and there is already a new breakfast menu, with breakfast now open to the general public as well as hotel guests.

Meanwhile, guests have until February 29 to get a special deal on the Lodge launch offer, an
all-inclusive package for four guests (children welcome) for $599 per person, per night.

The package includes dinner at The Wild Flower Bar & Dining with a choice of three à la carte dishes or the five-course chef's tasting menu; gourmet lunch provisions; daily à la carte breakfast; premium in-lodge bar with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.

Also think a heated private pool, two day beds and rooftop sunset deck with panoramic ocean views, daily turndown service, local transfers, complimentary wifi and in-room entertainment as well as parking for two cars and the use of mountain bikes. The package is normally $750 based on four people per lodge.

See bellsatkillcare.com.au