Redruth chef who trained with Marco Pierre White to run new Falmouth restaurant

A Cornishman who trained with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White is set to run a brand new restaurant. Darren Kerley, who was born and raised in Redruth, has been unveiled as the new head chef at Nourish.

The brand new all-day dining restaurant has just opened at St Michaels Resort Hotel in Falmouth. Darren began his career at the Dorchester Hotel in London before joining Raymond Blanc Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, where he worked alongside Marco Pierre White.

The famous Oxford restaurant with two Michelin stars is also where Devon chef Michael Caines trained. Darren then moved to Paris where he worked with pioneering chef Alain Senderens at Luca Carton before deciding to come home to Cornwall.

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There he was instrumental in designing the food concept at the famous Cornish restaurant, Sabzi’s. After a stint at Hotel Meudon, he joined St Michaels Resort with the aim of “growing quality, individual, seasonal ingredients with a plant-focused flair”.

He said: “I am delighted to begin my role as Head Chef at St Michaels Resort and to launch Nourish as the hotel’s newest dining concept. Honest, quality produce is at the heart of my cooking and I’m proud to showcase the best of the region and the true spirit of Cornwall.”

He said the new restaurant is about showcasing the best produce Cornwall has to offer. He added: “Our new ‘Cornish tapas’ bring together the best of local ingredients in a convivial, shareable format – the dishes are light and soulful, yet healthy and balanced, offering plentiful options for a range of wide range of dietary requirements.

“Vibrant salads and flavorful shawarmas will be at the heart of the menu, and a wood-fired pizza oven adds rustic charm to this laid-back restaurant, offering handcrafted artisan pizzas with a selection of toppings for the ultimate in nostalgic comfort. table.”

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Tim Fryer, Director of St Michaels Resort said Nourish was designed to be the social hub of the hotel – a comfortable and informal lounge area with comfortable seating, ambient music and low lighting that allows guests to relax instantly.

He added: “The launch of Nourish is an exciting and strategic move for St Michaels Resort. The new restaurant will cement the resort as a culinary hotspot in Falmouth as we celebrate Cornish produce and community. We are delighted to welcome Darren Kerley to the team and I look forward to seeing the resort go from strength to strength.”