More chef news this week, with moves, announcements and a cookbook, as well as the sad passing of a renowned food critic.
Callum Graham
Following last week’s announcement of Callum Graham’s departure from Bohemia after nine dedicated years, his next venture has been made public; and he is to take an Executive Chef role at the award-winning Wild Rabbit.
The gastro inn currently holds 3AA Rosettes for their modern British menus that move with the seasons, focusing on the best of local ingredients.
The inn is part of the Bamford Collection which comprises a number of properties across the Cotswold area, and includes Daylesford Stays and Daylesford Organic.
We can’t wait to find out what Graham brings to the Bamford Collection, and whether he can bring with him his Michelin Star charm.
Paul Welburn
Speaking of Michelin Star chefs, we were delighted to hear about Paul Welburn’s new cookbook, Evolve.
The Yorkshire born Chef announced his move for new pastures at the end of 2024, after achieving and maintaining 3AA Rosettes at the Cygnet restaurant at The Swan Inn in Islip.
Welburn was something of a mainstay in Oxfordshire, previously winning 1 Michelin Star at The Oxford Kitchen, the first in the city for three decades, but has traded The Cotswolds for Cornwall.
A book of culinary delights surely awaits and there is a link here where you can purchase a copy for yourself.
Richard Vines
The hospitality world was saddened this week to learn of the passing of Richard Vines, aged 71.
The celebrated writer and broadcaster was previously Chief Food Critic at Bloomberg where he spent 25 years of his illustrious career.
The Caterer magazine featured an obituary for Vines, stating that “he has been remembered by industry friends and colleagues for his “sartorial splendour, his bon viveur [and] his kindness”.
There was an outpouring of sadness across the internet and social media at the death of the greatly respected and ever-present figure; who, in 2021, set up his own weekly restaurant review column along with Pierre Koffman.
Koffman posted a picture of Vines with the message “RIP, the rest is silence”.
Tony Parkin and Opheem
Now, I may recently have been bragging about my upcoming visit to Opheem (not to mention it AGAIN), but this time my mention is more in keeping with the newsworthy.
Joining Aktar Islam’s distinguished restaurant is Tony Parkin, who returns to the UK following a stint and a Michelin Star in Ireland at Waterford’s Cliff House Hotel.
The Chef, who featured in series 17 of Great British menu, previously headed up the Tudor Room at 5 Star Great Fosters in Surrey, and his career has taken him Copenhagen’s 2 Michelin Star Noma, Northcote in Lancashire and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
It will be a true privilege to experience Parkin’s and Islam’s cheffing first hand later this month!
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