Nathan said his mind was blown when he went to visit The Wild Rabbit which is set in the heart of the Cotswolds and is excited to have over 3,000 acres of farmland at his disposal.
He said: "You just can’t turn it down and that was the driving force for me."
Nathan was headhunted for the role whilst on holiday and told The Staff Canteen that it would have to be 'a very special place' for him to be prised away from Simpsons. Nathan also praised Luke, Andreas and the rest of the team for their support.
“They weren’t jumping for joy, and I’m grateful they weren’t because it clearly means they think a bit of me but at the same time Luke’s exact words were that he’s pleased for me and that’s a testament to what Simpsons is about really, building chefs and sending them out into the big bad world.”
Under Tim's guidance, The Wild Rabbit achieved a star in the Michelin Guide 2017 and 3 Rosettes from the AA restaurant Guide 2015. Following his departure, the restaurant had its star deleted from the Michelin Guide UK 2018.
Speaking candidly about accolades, and stars in particular, Nathan tells us the food will take president over awards.
"The food will be the focus for us and hopefully we will be recognised by the guides if and when it happens. I won't be chasing them and they won't give me sleepless nights."
Nathan's career began at Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire. The next 11 years were spent working for a variety of hotels up and down the country before venturing out on his own to open his first solo restaurant Epi in Bromsgrove. After selling the lease in 2015 Nathan joined Luke Tipping's restaurant, Simpsons in Birmingham.
Owner Carole Bamford is looking forward to welcoming both Alyn and Nathan to the Cotswolds. She said: “I am very proud that the The Wild Rabbit has always attracted food lovers from afar whilst looking after our locals, and I know our two new chefs will be an exciting next chapter for the pub”.
By Michael Parker
@canteenparker
