Meet Our Head Chef, Rob Hartwell…
Have you met our head chef Rob Hartwell?
Rob started his journey with Peach many moons ago and has worked at some of our sister pubs, most recently the Rose and Crown in Warwick. In a few short years Rob has racked up some notable achievements. Whilst soaring through the ranks at one of pubs, the Fleece at Witney, then becoming head chef at the Rose and Crown, Rob has also been awarded the highly coveted Acorn Scholarship. We wanted you to get to know Rob and his journey in Peach a little better so you can truly appreciate the love and care that goes into the food he puts on your plate!
Who in Peach has trained, mentored or inspired you and how has this helped in your career?
I was lucky and have had a lot of great mentors in Peach; Corin was my first head chef who really showed me lots and helped progress me. Lee has always been on hand to coach me alongside Jo and Hamish.
Tell us about an accomplishment that you are most proud of in your Peach career.
There have been a few, but top of the list was becoming head chef of the Rose and Crown and cooking for Peach’s 10th birthday with all my old piers on the guest list.
What’s your funniest story from Peach?
There have been quite a few funny ones, but none are print friendly!
What awards have you won while at Peach or what awards would you like to go for?
Acorn scholarship in 2008 and national pub chef of the year in 2012.
What’s your favourite Peach party memory?
I don’t have a lot of memories of the parties, but the first one was at Hamish and Jo’s house where we had a sit down meal and it was crazy, all of us partying without a care in the world.
Who has been you best catering training story and where are they now?
Olly, he is now a junior sous with me.
How have you changed as a caterer from when you first joined Peach to now?
I wasn’t a caterer before I joined Peach, they made me want to be one.
How has Peach got the best out of you? What support/training did you need to do this job and how did Peach help?
They have always been so supportive of all my desires to do stuff; be it travel, BBQ and now something new at the Almanack.
What are your career goals and how can Peach help you get there?
I want to move forward Peach with a new menu concept, adding outside and event catering to Peach, and of course to be a partner in Peach!
What are the most important lessons you have learnt from Peach?
Never be scared to do the right thing.
What advice would you give someone who was about to start their Peach career?
Don’t hold back, Peach is like a family and the more you give the better it is.
