One of Norfolk’s foremost restaurants is welcoming a new hand on the tiller in time for the 2017 season.

Simon Hunter Marsh has taken over as Head Chef at the Grove in Cromer and hopes to build on their reputation as one of the best eateries on the Norfolk coast.

Simon started his career at Green Farm working with Phillip Lomax, before travelling to the capital to take up a prestigious post at the Hilton, one of the world’s iconic hotels.  But the call of Norfolk was never far away and Simon came home as the head chef role at the George Hotel in Cley, putting this wonderful Norfolk restaurant firmly on the map.

Simon has also worked under legendary Norfolk restaurateurs Nigel and Jayne Raffles in their group of Norwich restaurants.

“I’ve always been fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time at the Grove certainly fits that bill,” said Simon.  “I grew up in a big Norfolk farmhouse so this is almost like coming home for me, especially with the gardens – we can literally go out and pick fruit, vegetables and herbs and put them straight on the plate.  We have a great foundation to create something very special here, building on the great work of previous chefs, and I’m really looking forward to putting my own mark on the Grove.”

One of the country’s foremost foragers, Simon’s expertise in the field is another string to his bow, and the new menus at the Grove will feature some of the best – and rarest – local produce available.

Owner Richard Graveling said:  “We’ve worked with Simon on a casual basis over the last couple of years and I’ve always been impressed with his innovation, enthusiasm and knowledge.  As a small restaurant we have the luxury of being able to give each individual dish real care and attention and this is where Simon comes into his own, as well as being a talented leader and manager.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what he comes up with and how he uses the fabulous local produce that we have right on our doorstep.”