1 Michelin star chefs - Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall

Chef Mark Poynton has long been a familiar and respected name in the UK’s fine dining scene.

From his days as a front-of-house team member to becoming a Michelin-starred chef with his own establishments, his journey has been marked by a fierce commitment to flavour, sustainability, and hospitality that puts both staff and diners first.

early beginnings

Mark started his culinary career at 15 years old working part-time as a waiter in the Queen Hotel Chester.

His first steps into the industry were taken not in the kitchen but on the restaurant floor. He began as a waiter but quickly transitioned into the kitchen under the mentorship of Ian McDowall.

Within six months he’d moved into the kitchen under executive chef Ian McDowall. He then worked 18 months with Paul Kitching at the Juniper restaurant in Altrincham, followed by seven