1 Michelin star chefs - Jake Jones, Forge at Middleton Lodge Estate
Jake Jones is head chef of Forge at Middleton Lodge Estate, a fine dining restaurant set within the 200-acre grounds of the Georgian estate near Richmond.
Jake's Background
Jake was raised in York and immersed in the culinary world from a young age, influenced by his father and uncle, both professional chefs. This early exposure instilled in him a profound passion for cooking, shaping his future in gastronomy.
Jake’s journey through prestigious kitchens, including the Star Inn at Harome and the Black Swan at Oldstead, and his time at three Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan’s L’enclume in Cumbria, equipped him with invaluable experiences and deepened his commitment to sustainable culinary practices before joining the team at Middleton Lodge Estate as head chef of the Coach House in 2021 and in February 2023 Jake opened the Forge restaurant on the estate.
Read more: Jake Jones, Head Chef, Forge at Middleton Lodge Estate
Estate-to-plate philosophy
Forge was conceived as a restaurant deeply tied to the land. Jake works hand-in-hand with the estate’s gardening team to shape menus around what is grown, harvested and foraged on-site.
From planning planting calendars
to preserving through pickling and fermenting, the kitchen remains in constant dialogue with the seasons. His approach is precise yet restrained, with dishes designed to showcase the natural character of the ingredients rather than overshadow them.
Michelin recognition
In February 2025, Forge was awarded its first Michelin Star, a milestone that confirmed Jake’s place among the UK’s most exciting young chefs.
Inspectors highlighted his clarity of flavour, technical skill and commitment to sustainability, recognising the way Forge reflects its landscape while delivering a refined fine dining experience.
The restaurant also holds a Michelin Green Star, recognising its sustainability-led approach and commitment to working in harmony with the land.
A chef with purpose
Jake is known for his thoughtful, grounded outlook. He often describes his menus as stories - expressions of time and place rather than showpieces - and leads his team with the same quiet ambition that defines his cooking. The Michelin Star is both a career landmark and a sign of Forge’s growing reputation as one of the North’s most distinctive destinations.
Other Michelin Star Chefs
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1 Michelin star chefs - Jake Jones, Forge at Middleton Lodge Estate
