THE RECTORY IN WILTSHIRE WELCOMES NEW HEAD CHEF
As we welcome in a new year, exciting news from the kitchen at The Rectory in Wiltshire where the esteemed Jake Simpson joins as head chef
One of London’s finest chefs, the long-time leader of the team at Soho’s fan favourite Bocca di Lupo, has made the move to the country and brings with him his thoughtful and fresh take on modern European cooking. Formerly a Jeremy Lee alumni at both the Blueprint Café and then Quo Vadis, Jake creates dishes combining primary seasonal flavours that feel relaxed, easy, and most importantly delicious.
Jake is also joined by James Erasmus as sous who brings a wealth of experience from stints at Michelin-starred The Ledbury, The Woodsman, and four years as sous chef at the award-winning Harwood Arms.
On starting his new role as Head Chef, Simpson says “I’m really excited to join the fantastic team here at the Rectory. It’s a fabulous hotel and such a gorgeous dining room. I’m looking forward to being able to use produce from the kitchen garden, and from the fields and farms around - we already have venison shot locally on the menu and lambs from Alex’s mum. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to work in tune with the seasons and the local terroir”.
The Rectory is surrounded by fantastic West country farmers and artisan producers providing the best ingredients both locally and from further afield. The Rectory grows most of its own herbs and vegetables in their kitchen garden and works closely with local farmers and game keepers taking in whole carcases to break down in-house, adopting a nose-to-tail philosophy.
Though the menu will be constantly changing sample dishes include:
Smoked cod roe monks’ beard, seaweed
Egg yolk raviolo bottarga butter, crumbs
Raw Hereford beef, lardo & bone marrow tartare
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Cornish cod ink romesco, salt cod croquette
Venison Haunch, faggot, parsnip, pickled prune
Crisp polenta delica pumpkin, ricotta & sage
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Pistachio cake quince, yoghurt & rosewater sherbet
Blood orange & white chocolate panna cotta rosemary cake
St Emilion au Chocolat with crème fraîche
Owner of The Rectory and its sister pub, The Potting Shed, Alex Payne says ‘I’ve been a huge fan of Jake’s cooking for some time and convincing him to come and work with us at the Rectory is something I’m very proud of. I’d like to think what he does in the kitchen is perfectly aligned with our discerning but non-glossy take on quality dining and warm and joyous hospitality. Jake has come into the business like a breath of fresh air but with a strong sense of purpose. I’m very much looking forward to working together over the coming months and years, taking the business forward to new heights.’ The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner 7 days of the week, for hotel guests, diners, locals, and walk-ins. They also serve a delicious Sunday lunch and have a 2 or 3 course set lunch menu.
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The Rectory is a beautiful Georgian manor house with a stylish but low-key feel and a sprawling English garden; the hotel was bought by Alex Payne in 2016 and reopened in summer 2017 after extensive refurbishment. Also owned by Payne, The Potting Shed pub sits across the road from the hotel and serves as a hugely popular haunt for locals, as well as a secondary option for guests who fancy a more relaxed lunch or a refreshing pint after a long drive. The hotel has 18 individually designed bedrooms - 15 in the main house and 3 in a separate cottage. Doubles start from £170 per night on a B&B basis.
Address The Rectory Hotel, Crudwell, Wiltshire, SN16 9EP
Telephone +44 (0) 1666 577194
Email info@therectoryhotel.com
Website www.therectoryhotel.com
Instagram @therectoryhotel
For further press information and to arrange reviews or interviews, please contact Jessy Harrison or Joanna Webb at The Lifestyle Collective.
E: jessy@lifestyle-collective.co.uk or jo@lifestyle-collective.co.uk