Hailing from Burnley, Tom Parker got his first job aged 16 at the Michelin-starred Northcote after writing to Nigel Haworth. He worked alongside Lisa Allen, executive head chef at the Langho venue citing that: ‘Lisa was a massive influence on me. Working alongside her and Nigel had a huge impact on what I learned, and I was lucky I was able to do it.’
In 2011, at the age of 21, he was awarded Young Chef of the Year and went on to become the youngest ever sous chef at Northcote. After a stint cooking in Mexico, he moved back to Burnley and became Head Chef at The White Swan in Fence.
In 2017 Tom took part in the BBC Great British Menu, alongside fellow NW chefs Ellis Barrie and Paul Askew, with Tom’s dishes inspired by memories of summer holidays and picking berries in the Lancashire hedgerows close to his home.
The White Swan at Fence awarded a Michelin Star in October 2018, joining Northcote and Moor Hall in Aughton as the only Michelin starred establishments in Lancashire in the Michelin Guide UK 2019.
Other awards include 2 AA rosettes whilst The Good Pub Guide and Casque Mark also recognise the quality of real ale that is being served.
Tom’s ever-changing menu is inspired by his memories of summer, from holidays in France and by some of Lancashire’s old food traditions on his menu, including those from his great-grandmother’s treasured handwritten recipe book. Regular theme nights are held that are inspired by the local community.
Ingredients come as locally as possible and Tom is proud of the relationship he has with local producers which includeGazegill Organics,Pugh Piglets andWellocks. Some of the fruit and vegetables also come from the village, utilising growing space loaned to them by local residents and Tom’s gran and grandad do all of the gardens.
As the only Timothy Taylors pub in Lancashire, a brewery founded on the principle of never accepting second best, the focus is on flavour.
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