Following a seven-year spell elevating the Speech House Hotel in the Forest of Dean to 2 AA Rosettes, Gareth Jenkins has returned to the Newbridge of Usk as the Head Chef.
It is a happy homecoming for Gareth who describes his two years at the Newbridge as Chef de Partie under former Head Chef Adam Whittle as the most influential of his career.
Gareth cut his culinary teeth at The Celtic Collection, enjoying comprehensive training in all cooking techniques at a variety of restaurants and the conference and banqueting operation before his first stint at the Newbridge.
On his return, Gareth’s focus is on producing modern British style menus with Welsh influences, using straightforward seasonal ingredients and elevating them through the presentation and execution of the dishes. Having seen diners intimidated by fancy terms and ingredients, his mission is to make 2 AA Rosette dining at the Newbridge accessible to all
A keen champion of local suppliers, Gareth is excited by the fantastic produce available in the Usk and Wye valleys and developing dishes to showcase their flavours and seasonality. Another great passion is baking bread and Gareth’s inventive variations have made fresh, homemade bread a firm favourite as an appetiser.
Gareth shares his kitchen creativity on Instagram where he has more than 16,000 followers. Follow him @garethleighjenkins