'Nose-to-tail philosophy' hailed as new head chef joins luxury hotel at historic Swinton Estate near Masham
A new Executive Head Chef has been appointed at one of North Yorkshire’s greatest country estates with a focus on the “connection between land and kitchen”.
The luxury Swinton Estate, which boasts more than 7,000 acres of moorland and 1,700 acres of woodland, said it was delighted to announce that Steve Darou had joined the estate from St. John restaurants in London, where he served as Group Head Chef.
Steve Darou brings with him a deep respect for ingredient-led cooking, seasonality and the resourceful nose-to-tail philosophy that has made St. John one of the UK’s most influential culinary institutions.
"After 12 years with St. John in London, I am excited to work with the team to realise the full potential of one of the country’s great estates,” said Swinton Estate’s New Executive Head Chef, “from its exceptional walled kitchen garden to the wider landscape that shapes its identity.
"It is a rare opportunity to create food that is not only delicious but truly rooted in place.
"Having grown up in Canada with a strong connection to foraging and fishing, I have always held a deep respect for produce and provenance.”
Welcoming more than 45,000 annual visitors, Swinton Estate has been redeveloped and transformed by the management of Felicity Cunliffe-Lister alongside her husband, Mark Cunliffe-Lister, the 4th Earl of Swinton.
A key part of Steve Darou’s role will be to develop the wider team of chefs so that they build a deeper understanding of how to handle and use ingredients from across the county, creating a more authentic expression of Swinton’s land, people and provenance.
General Manager Ramune Aleks said: “This is an exciting moment for Swinton, and we are delighted to welcome Steve to the estate.
"His appointment reflects our ambition to build a kitchen culture that combines exceptional cooking with a deeper understanding of provenance, seasonality and regenerative hospitality.”
Alongside these wider developments, Josh Barnes will conclude his time at the Chef’s Table at Swinton on July 5, having been awarded 3 AA Rosettes and received Michelin recognition during his tenure.
For more information on Swinton Estate, visit: www.swintonestate.com