Robert Rees Interview
Robert trained as a Chef at Westminster College, London between 1984 - 1987. He has a large catering background in the highest calibre of establishments. Royal Crescent Hotel - Bath, Hyatt Regency - Grand Cayman Islands, Le Gavroche - London and the Bath Spa Hotel - Bath as well as Head Chef's positions at Circus - Bath and Splinters in Christchurch.
He is the Chef and Director of his own company The Country Elephant Ltd. This traded as a restaurant between 1994-1999 in Painswick under Roberts's ownership achieving international and national recognition for its food and service including a much-coveted Michelin Bibendum Gourmand Award. Robert currently provides a private dining service in client's homes and cookery school. An Academy of Culinary Excellence and Renaissance Restaurant in Cheltenham developed with Roberts assistance at Gloscat opened in September 2002.
What is your most memorable childhood 'food' memory?
A lovely farmhouse breakfast and mugs of steaming tea on Sunday morning cooked by my mother.
What's your favourite food or ingredient 'on your doorstep'?
Birdwood Farm Blue Cheese - the best in the world!
What is your favourite food secret?
Most of the produce here in the undiscovered Cotswolds.
What food would you travel for (within the UK)?
I don't need to leave Gloucestershire for some of the best ingredients in the country but I would get on the gastronomy trail and go anywhere - scallops from Loch Fynne would be good.
What is your favourite seasonal food?
All the winter veg – fantastic at absorbing a fusion of different herbs and spices complimenting luscious game dishes.
What is your favourite local food shop?
Stroud Farmers Market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.
What is your favourite eating place?
Lords of the Manor Hotel at the Slaughters, Gloucestershire.
What is your favourite UK pub?
The Bell Pub at Sapperton, Gloucestershire.
What is your favourite dish or recipe?
A simple Adeys Farm Beef Steak with Herb Mash and Red Onion Jam.
Name an inspirational food person? Why?
All the producers inspire me - like them food is my way of life.
Read Robert's biography