The former top chef behind Michelin-starred restaurant – The Hardwick -has been appointed head chef of luxury wedding venue, Sant Ffraed House.
Stephen Terry’s appointment at the Abergavenny venue comes three years after The Hardwick closed its doors after the venue was defrauded by its former administrator, Nicola Nightingale for £150,000 with the help of her husband, Simon (you can read the court coverage here). We spoke to Stephen Terry at the time, read that interview, here.
The Hardwick was open for 18 years with the chef at the helm and before that he worked at Michelin-starred The Walnut Tree as well as alongside some of the most influential names in British and European food.
His career began at the legendary Harvey’s under Marco Pierre White, before joining Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche, one of Britain’s most celebrated restaurants before returning to London and earning his first Michelin star at just 25.
As well as being a constant presence in some of Wales and the UK’s kitchens, he is also a familiar face on British television, with multiple appearances on James Martin’s Saturday Morning and Great British Menu. He was also named Independent Restaurateur of the Year at the prestigious Catey Awards. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
The boutique wedding venue has appointed Terry to take forward their new approach to dining and catering for their weddings. He will lead the development of a more flexible approach to wedding dining, introducing an exciting range of brand new menus spanning traditional dining, feasting, street food and more relaxed social styles, giving couples greater freedom to create a celebration that reflects them.
Saying he was “excited” to join the team at Sant Ffraed House, he added that: ” My approach has always been about great ingredients, proper cooking and big flavour, but I also love the freedom this gives us to think differently about wedding food. Whether that’s a beautifully executed traditional menu, generous feasting or something much more relaxed, the quality should always be exceptional.
“Weddings are some of the most memorable days of people’s lives, and the food should live up to that. I’m looking forward to working with the team and creating something really special for Sant Ffraed couples and their guests.”
Alongside its culinary investment, Sant Ffraed House is investing significantly in its interiors, grounds and accommodation, ensuring the venue remains fresh, relevant and ahead of evolving wedding trends while maintaining the exceptional standards for which it has become known.
Commercial director of The Oldwalls Collection, which runs Sant Ffraed House, Shakira Obaid, added: Stephen’s appointment is a huge moment for Sant Ffraed House and an important part of our wider strategy for the venue. His experience speaks for itself. Our goal has always been to change what couples can expect from ‘wedding food’ and Stephen’s appointment is our most bold investment in this philosophy yet.
“He has worked in some of the most respected kitchens in the world, earned Michelin stars, built one of Wales’ best-known dining destinations and established a reputation that extends far beyond Wales.
“But what excites us most is what that experience can bring to weddings. Couples’ expectations have evolved. They want exceptional quality, but they also want greater choice and the freedom to celebrate in a way that feels personal to them. Stephen will help us evolve our approach to wedding food.”
