Hylton Espey, Chef Owner, Culture

The Staff Canteen

Hylton Espey is the Chef Owner of Michelin Green Starred, Culture.

Hylton Espey's journey in the culinary world began with a deep-rooted respect for nature and a determination to reduce the carbon footprint of his gastronomic endeavours. He opened Culture with a clear mission: to prove that fine dining could be not only exquisite but also sustainable.

Culture, located in a beautifully restored historic building, in Falmouth in Cornwall, has become a haven for food enthusiasts who share Hylton's values. The restaurant's commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operation. Hylton works tirelessly to source ingredients locally, favouring seasonal produce and supporting local farmers and artisans. He also encourages the kitchen staff to forage daily which allows the chef’s to step outside and see what is happening on their own doorstep. The menu at Culture reflects this dedication, with dishes that highlight the flavours of the region and the season.
 



Hylton Espey has commented, "For us, there has always been a connection to nature and food. The menu is continually driven by ingredients, seasons and nature and not the other way around. It will be through educating our guests that will help pave the way for local food heroes, sustainable farming and amazing flavours."

Hylton's innovative approach doesn't stop at sourcing. He has implemented eco-friendly practices throughout the restaurant, from reducing food waste through creative use of leftovers to implementing energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. Culture also boasts a zero-plastic policy, with compostable packaging and a focus on reusable materials.

Hylton's dedication to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Culture has received numerous accolades for its commitment to the environment, earning recognition as one of the most eco-friendly restaurants in the region. They are extremely proud for being recognised for their efforts and awarded Falmouth’s first MICHELIN Green Star in 2023. Hylton Espey's vision and leadership have set a new standard for sustainable dining, proving that excellence and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 6th October 2023

Hylton Espey, Chef Owner, Culture