Craft Guild member launches chef's corner

Brian Steele

A Craft Guild of Chefs member who moved from London to take over a hotel in Devon has embarked on a mission to unite local chefs.

Brian Steele has offered his expertise to Torridge District Council's new Chef's Corner initiative, paving the way for chefs in the area to meet, share knowledge and promote best practice.

As part of the project, local chefs are invited to film short videos for the council website, which can be watched at www.torridge.gov.uk/chefs, take part in workshops and presentations at community events and be involved in 'chef exchanges', whereby culinary talent can experience other professional kitchens.

A Chef's Corner DVD is also being filmed for release in April.

Brian, south west divisional representative for the Craft Guild and member for more than 30 years, said it was great to bring local chefs together and show North Devon for what it is - a great place to visit and experience good food.

"I moved from London, where I was executive chef at a Marriott Hotel, to realise my dream of taking over the beautiful Yeoldon House Hotel in Bideford and revamping the restaurant, now called Soyer's after the Victorian chef," he said. "We are this year celebrating our 10th anniversary and have earned two AA stars in that time, which is great.

"You sort of become a forgotten entity when you move out of the city, however, and it suddenly becomes incredibly difficult to meet other chefs. I started to feel very isolated and realised many others did too. There was an opportunity too good to miss to work with Torridge, using the council website and branding to promote local food businesses, and provide a chance for chefs to meet up, talk to or email each other and feel part of something.

"High up on the agenda is encouraging each other to find healthier, more nutritious ways to cook with less fat, less salt and, in these economically fragile times, how to work on a smaller budget. We would also like to give chefs the opportunity to send their protégés to other kitchens, not to steal ideas, but to see how else things can be done, how to save time etc. There are many opportunities, and while we're at it, we can create a real buzz about the area."

Chef's Corner is the brainchild of Torridge District Council's food and safety manager Daryl LittleJohns, who has 17 years catering experience and has worked at a Michelin starred restaurant with Phil Vickery.

Members had their second 'meet and greet' this week, with a free entry demonstration at RHS Gardens Rosemoor near Torrington on Saturday, March 7th.

Words: Clare Riley

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