Shinfield fine dining restaurant L’Ortolan has announced details of its new head chef.
Jamie Pearce will take the reins at the restaurant on June 4, having worked at a host of renowned fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants.
He joins L’Ortolan from The Montagu Arms where he was head chef of the fine dining Terrace restaurant.
Prior to this, he worked at Cliveden House (three AA rosettes), Moorhall (two Michelin stars), Whatley Manor (two Michelin stars), the Black Rat (one Michelin star).
L’Ortolan has held a Michelin star for 18 of the last 20 years, and has a reputation for the quality of its food and service in its Grade-II listed home.
Jamie is a young and talented chef with a deep passion for L’Ortolan having worked on secondment as Sous Chef for several months last year.
Commenting on his new appointment, Jamie said: “It is a massive honour for me to be taking the position of head chef at L’Ortolan – a real destination with such an established culinary heritage, developed through a history of many talented chefs.
“My time on secondment at L’Ortolan last year had a real impact on me, and I was keen to return.
“With a strong team behind me, I look forward to building on L’Ortolan’s rightful place within the UK’s fine dining scene, while bringing many new ideas and dishes to the restaurant that provide the best experience for diners possible.”
Current head chef James Greatorex added: “It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving L’Ortolan after almost six years.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all of our guests and staff, past and present. I am confident in the very talented team we have built here and having worked with Jamie previously I am sure that it will continue to thrive.”
L’Ortolan’s prorietor, Peter Newman, said: “I am grateful to James for all the work he has done over the years, and I very much look forward to the exciting new cuisine that Jamie promises to bring”.
