In The Kitchen
In the Kitchen
Andrew Pern became the Chef/Patron of The Star Inn in June 1996, quickly establishing it as one of the country’s first-ever 'Gastropubs' and helping to establish this newly invented term. Andrew first gained a Michelin star in 2002 for The Star’s locally-focused seasonal cooking with a ‘terroir’ approach, at that time hardly known outside of France. The team at this much-loved thatched Inn has won virtually every known industry award during Andrew’s tenure, consistently retaining a Michelin star for the past 10 years, and it has become a firm favourite amongst the hospitality fraternity.
Whilst The Star Inn itself benefits from six centuries of infused hospitality atmosphere, its kitchens have their own solid force in Andrew Pern’s Chef/Director, Stephen Smith. Recruited by Andrew in 2008, when the present kitchen was built and The Star’s dining space extended, Stephen brought additional Michelin experience from his early career at Paul Heathcote’s Restaurant and the former Pool Court.
Stephen shares Andrew’s long-established standards and ability to seek out the best in seasonal ingredients to bring together contemporary menus with a sense of terroir. Wherever possible, matched wine/drink options are offered with each dish following a selection process involving The Star's Wine Consultant and the wider kitchen and front of house teams alongside Andrew and Stephen, to further enhance the customer’s experience.
