On Monday 7th January we will be delighted in welcoming our new head chef David Smith to our Potager kitchen team.
David was born in Tunworth in Staffordshire, a quaint village approximately 4 miles from Basingstoke. When David turned 16 he found an apprenticeship in a kitchen in Kent and from there, his passion for food was ignited. At the age of 18, David went on to work at the Petersham Hotel in Richmond, London where he built on his skills both with food and working in a professional kitchen. Over the years David has worked at various other 5 star establishments including the Goring Hotel under the guidance of Jon Elliot and not the mention The Ritz Hotel in London under Giles Thompson. So, it’s safe to say our chef knows a thing or two!
In terms of cooking, David loves to cook with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients from sustainably sourced suppliers. Therefore, we’re reassured that David will get the most out of all of the ingredients we grow in our blossoming Potager Garden. So, what’s his favourite ingredients to cook with? Fresh, fresh and fresh – and you can’t get much fresher than the produce that’s harvested in the morning from the Potager! David also loves cooking with seafood and seeing as we’re so close to both the Wittering’s and Selsey beaches our seafood is always fresh, local and delicious. Besides, we love supporting our local businesses as much as we can.
We asked David ‘If you had to cook a signature 3 course meal, what would it be?’ – boy, oh boy, did his answer make our mouth’s water!
To start: Terrine of Oak Smoked Salmon & Trout with Watercress Creme Fraiche and Keta
To follow: Braised Fillet of South Down’s Lamb, Gratin Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables
To finish: Chocolate Fondant with White Chocolate Ice Cream
And if that doesn’t make you want to come and try David’s food, we don’t know what will!
Keep your eye out on our website and social media for our new seasonal menu where David will be putting modern touches on great classic influences.
