It was announced today (Tuesday 6 December) that Torquay hotelier, Keith Richardson, of Richardson Hotel Group has brought two Michelin starred chef John Burton-Race on-board to headline the new restaurant at Torquay icon The Grosvenor Hotel.
Hoping to bring some ‘Michelin magic’ to his group, Mr Richardson has said: “We’re very excited to be working with John. His background is in world-class dining, and that’s something we want to promote in The Grosvenor’s Brasserie and Terrace. He’s lived in Devon for many years, so he knows how to really harness the best of what Devon has to offer. We aim to make the hotel a real destination, not only for tourists, but for locals too. We want to serve the very best food possible, and John is certainly the man to do it.”
John Burton-Race will be involved in every aspect of the restaurant, from the actual kitchen design to menu planning and preparing dishes. Although many would be daunted at the task of turning around the hotel’s somewhat infamous reputation, John is adamant about what needs to be done, and knows that he’s up to the task!
“We’re so fortunate with the produce that’s on offer locally,” says Mr Burton-Race. “The animal husbandry, the pastureland and the seafood of the county allows my menus to have a real seasonal focus.” He is keen to emphasise the importance of quality in producing food which won’t be forgotten, “I’m already proud of the dishes we are planning to serve.”
At present the hotel is undergoing refurbishment, but plans to re-launch in early 2017, not only with a brand new look, but the most mouth-watering of menus courtesy of the celebrity chef.
John Burton Race
Born in Singapore in 1957, John Burton Race spent his formative years travelling extensively alongside his diplomat father. These influences are still visible within his food, which combines his innovative ideas with the best of British produce.
Trained in a number of London’s top restaurants including Quaglino’s, Hotel Meurice London, and La Sorbonne; Burton Race has worked alongside some of the world’s most celebrated chefs including Raymond Blanc. It was as Head Chef at the renowned Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Buckinghamshire, where he was awarded his first Michelin star in 1983.
Since then, Burton Race’s star has continued to rise, after opening his own restaurant, L’Ortolan in Berkshire. He was awarded an additional two Michelin stars, an achievement he repeated at the John Burton Race Restaurant at the Landmark Hotel in 2000.
Two years later, John was introduced to the public conscious with his role in the Channel 4 documentary series French Leave, and after a sabbatical spent in France, he returned to the culinary fraternity, launching The New Angel restaurant in Devon in 2004. Within a year the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Star, which it retained until Burton Race’s departure in 2010.
Most recently, Burton Race has opened The New Angel in Notting Hill, which was widely acclaimed, gaining three AA Rosettes, a place in Harden’s Top 10 new openings 2015, as well as a slot in OpenTable’s Top 100.
Richardson Hotels
The Richardson Hotel Group is a collection of five very individual hotels, situated in the most stunning locations on the South Devon and Cornwall coasts. All offer striking period architecture, breath taking views and award winning dining.
A privately owned business, they have a passion for great British hotels. All of the group’s properties have stunning period architecture which are lovingly restored and individually appointed bedrooms. With award-winning restaurants using the best locally sourced produce, Richardson are committed to providing excellent service and the best possible experience to all guests.