Winning Best Game Chef 2026 at the Eat Game Awards

On Thursday 19th March 2026 I was crowned Best Game Chef at the Eat Game Awards 2026, and it’s a moment I’m incredibly proud of.

Getting to work closely with our surrounding estates brings me so much joy, and being able to educate both the team at The Black Swan at Oldstead and The Abbey Inn, as well as our guests, on all the benefits of cooking with game is something that will never get boring for me.

Game has always played a big role in how I cook. It naturally fits with my approach; seasonal, local and making the most of what’s around us. To be recognised for that, in an award that celebrates the very best of British wild game, means a great deal to me.

To quote one of the judges, “The creativity comes from simple ingredients. You are literally eating the farms, hills, trees and wild food.” I think that sentence sums up everything we are about, and I’m so glad that shines through in both our food and service.

To win in a room full of amazing people who do so much for shooting and conservation makes it even more special. I’d like to say a massive thank you to BASC for all the hard work they do protecting the things I care so deeply about.

I’d also like to thank the incredible sponsors who make this event possible - Eley Cartridges, BASC, The Lincolnshire Game Company and GunsOnPegs.