A former Coventry schoolboy who went on to become a multi-award-winning chef is returning to his home county to take the helm at one of the region’s most celebrated restaurants.
Paul Foster, 31, who has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens, has been appointed as Head Chef of The Dining Room at the AA red star Mallory Court Hotel, near Royal Leamington Spa.
He joins the luxury Relais & Chateaux property, part of the Eden Hotel Collection, from Tuddenham Mill near Newmarket, where he has achieved several top accolades in the past four years – including three AA rosettes, The Good Food Guide 2011’s UK Best Up and Coming Chef, and Observer Food Monthly Young Chef of the Year 2011.
Former Finham Park School pupil Paul started life as a chef at Coventry’s Henley College when he was just 16, taking his first job in a small two rosette restaurant near Coventry (formerly Haigs Hotel). Paul’s career has included periods at Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford – an experience he says “helped shape me into the chef I am today” – and a number of two and three rosette restaurants in the Midlands.
In 2006, Paul won the coveted William Heptinstall award, which led to internships at the ground-breaking WD50 in New York, The French Laundry in Napa Valley, and L’Auberge de L’Ile in Lyon.
But it was getting the chance to work at two-Michelin Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham in 2008 that proved to be the highlight of his career.
“I learned a huge amount working under Sat and Head Chef John Freeman,” said Paul. “One of my proudest moments was being part of the team when we gained five AA rosettes. That accolade isn’t easy to attain, which made it all the more special.”
The chef has since appeared on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen and BBC2’s Great British Menu, and has earned high praise from some of the industry’s most highly regarded food critics, including Observer reviewer and MasterChef critic Jay Rayner.
Mallory Court’s journey to fine-dining venue
Mark Chambers, the Eden Hotel Collection’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted that Paul is joining us. His appointment marks an important stage in Mallory Court Hotel’s hugely successful journey to become one of the most respected fine-dining venues in the Midlands. Paul’s flair, passion and commitment will make him a valuable asset to the business.”
Eden’s Food and Beverage Director, Simon Haigh, added: “The multi-award-winning Dining Room is one of the region’s most celebrated restaurants and has garnered a number of accolades, including three AA dining rosettes. We wanted someone who could build on that reputation and we’re confident that Paul is the right man for the job. He’s a great talent and his enthusiasm is infectious.”
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