Chefs
Andy Appleton
Andy has been at Fifteen Cornwall since April 2007 and took on the role as Head Chef in Spring 2010. Andy knows and understands the Fifteen Cornwall ethos which is about exceptional food, but also nurturing talent amongst young people who haven’t had the best start in life. Originally a Senior Sous Chef at Fifteen London, Andy was part of the team that launched the world-renowned restaurant with Jamie Oliver. Andy then took over as Head Chef at the Italian style Tabernacle Bar and Grill before returning to the Fifteen foray at Watergate Bay. www.fifteencornwall.co.uk
Paul Ainsworth
A classically trained chef, Paul Ainsworth served his apprenticeship working under some of the most respected figures of the contemporary era - Gary Rhodes, Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing.
A pivotal moment in Paul's career occurred upon meeting Derek Mapp, with whose backing Paul and friends opened Number 6 in 2006. Taking sole ownership in 2009, Paul reworked the menu around the values it holds today: quality local and seasonal ingredients, often humble in nature, used to create meals with smooth clean flavours that offer great value for money.
In 2010, Paul and Derek bought Rojano's, a long-established Italian restaurant in the heart of Padstow. After a complete refurbishment and a new name - Rojano’s in the Square - the restaurant is going from strength to strength whilst maintaining the ethos that has built a loyal following over the previous 35 years.
Earlier this year, Paul appeared on the BBC2 TV series Great British Menu. Competing against some of the nation’s top chefs, Paul won the regional heats to represent the South West. His dessert ‘A Taste of the Fairground’ was chosen by the judges to be served to 100 guests at a lavish feast taking place at Leadenhall Market in London.
Martin Dorey
"Whenever anyone asks me I always say I am a writer, surfer, keen shrimper and lately, a TV presenter. I wasn’t always all of those things. I spent 12 years working in the film industry before following my heart and becoming a writer.
"One thing to get straight here is that I am not a chef, nor will I ever claim to be. I have no formal food training. But I do love to cook and consider every meal to be a part of my continuing education in food. I have cooked more times in camper vans than I care to remember and have produced some wonderful food under extreme circumstances."
"In many ways my love of food came from a need to be self sufficient. But it wasn’t until I moved to Devon and began combining the idea of finding your own supper with cooking simply in a camper that things really felt like they were starting to happen."
Paul Harwood
Making his second appearance at the festival this year is Paul Harwood, who’s the head chef at Rick Stein’s St.Petroc’s Bistro in Padstow. Paul joined Rick and Jill Stein 12 years ago as demi chef at The Seafood Restaurant and has remained with the business ever since. His career began in 1985 when he joined the Chariot Brasserie in Essex as a commis chef, before developing his culinary skills at a handful of London based restaurants, including Seafresh in Victoria. In 1988, Paul moved to the south west and joined Hotel Palma Nova in Newquay as head chef. He then went on to spend a year in the French resort of Meribel, expanding his experience and knowledge as chef de cuisinier, before returning to Cornwall once more as head chef at the respected Glendorgal Hotel in Porth. In 1999, Paul joined Rick and Jill Stein's Seafood Restaurant under then head chef Paul Ripley. After spending time at three of their restaurants in Padstow he returned to St Petroc’s, where he remains as head chef.
Aaron Janes
Growing up in a large family as one of six children Aaron Janes was surrounded by good food. His mother was a traditional cook, using fresh ingredients and baking fabulous cakes, his father owned and ran a successful restaurant, from here the interest and passion of chefing developed.
With a keen interest in all things culinary. Aaron craved more experience, spending a number of years in Switzerland and France, sharpening his skills under the guidance of the British Combined Culinary Art Team and legendary chef Gary Dawson and, influenced from his knowledge abroad, Aaron created a vibrant international flavour. In 2003 Aaron placed his roots in Cornwall and took up position of Head Chef at Silks Bistro, offering a seasonal, fresh and simple menu - the three most important aspects of cooking.
Adrian Oliver
Small, but perfectly formed and you can think yourself extremely lucky to get an evening table at Adrian Oliver’s restaurant, Margot’s. Over the years it’s become almost an institution in Padstow and such is the following that there’s a waiting list and would-be diners regularly tune in to Twitter in the hope of landing a last minute cancellation. Adrian’s appearances in past years have made him a firm favourite with festival goers.
Nathan Outlaw
2010 was a great year for Nathan as ‘Restaurant Nathan Outlaw’ gained 2 Michelin Stars and was also voted the Best Fish Restaurant by the Good Food Guide 2011. This year has started with a bang as all the media attention has meant that both restaurants are busier than ever, putting St Enodoc Hotel firmly on the culinary map.
Phil Thomas
Phil began his career by doing school work experience, followed by an apprenticeship at Rosewarne Manor, near Hayle. He spent eight years at The Garrack Hotel in St.Ives, achieving various accolades, including 2 Rosettes. Following this, he moved to Tregenna Castle Hotel and Resort to experience a busy function operation. After 14 months in the job, he was approached by the new owner of Rosewarne Manor to assist with the reopening after it had been closed for several years.
"At Rosewearne Manner, we are now gaining a reputation for being the premier wedding and function venue in West Cornwall, with each and every function having the opportunity of a bespoke menu. We are in close contact with local farmers and are strong supporters of local and sustainable produce and ensure full traceability on all menu items. We are also very keen on supporting training in the workplace and have been involved with Truro College, Cornwall College and also the Jamie Oliver Foundation 15."
Phil will be assisting Adrian Oliver at the Festival.
