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Michelin-starred John Burton-Race appointed as Executive Head Chef of The Nook on Five


Multi Michelin-starred chef, author and TV personality, John Burton-Race, has joined as Executive Head Chef at The Nook On Five, Cheltenham’s only rooftop restaurant.

Over the last 35 years, Burton-Race has worked in some of the UK’s top restaurants and hotels including Hotel Meurice London, La Sorbonne, and Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons - where he worked under renowned chef, Raymond Blanc, who subsequently appointed him Head Chef of Le Petit Blanc in Oxford, where Burton-Race won his first Michelin-Star.

The chef soon became a house-hold name through his Channel 4 series ‘French Leave’ and its sequel ‘Return of the Chef’, as well as ITV’s ‘I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’.

Under the guidance of their new Executive Head Chef, The Nook On Five will be offering an experienced twist on a selection of renowned modern British classics, whilst also introducing some new, exciting dishes, and seasonal and special menus.

A new daytime menu, available from February, features a range of refined yet modern foods, as well as new dishes specially curated by Burton-Race, including a Nook smashed burger, Italian-style wild boar ragu and a Tiramisu. While evening diners will find themselves treated to a fresh A la Carte menu with additions such as roasted brill, prawn and scallop ravioli, and honey and citrus glazed duck, alongside firm favourites, including beef wellington and classic grilled sirloin steak.

John Burton-Race said: 'I’m delighted to be joining The Nook On Five as Executive Head Chef and am really looking forward to putting my own spin on the menu and the dining experience as a whole. The restaurant is known for its classic, modern British menu – traditional, staple dishes.

“With the new daytime and A la Carte menus, diners can expect to find those fan favourites still, but perhaps with a slight twist that we’re sure they’ll enjoy. We’re also adding some fresh dishes, pulling inspiration from my time in top restaurants around the world to offer guests something new and refreshing, as well as food they know and love.”
Throughout his years in the industry, Burton-Race has earned multiple Michelin stars for a range of luxury venues, including the John Burton Race Restaurant at the Landmark Hotel in London, as well as his own restaurants L’Ortolan and The New Angel, Dartmouth.

Drawing on this expertise, plans are also in motion to inject his culinary flair into the already popular Nook Deli, with preparations underway to expand the Parisian-style patisserie to include delicacies such as Gateau's and fruit tartlets, all crafted by The Nook’s fine dining chefs.

Burton-Race continued: “The Nook is a family run business with fine dining quality; I think that really shines through when you visit, but it’s also evidenced by its reputation and unique roof top setting. I will be working with the team to build on this success, putting The Nook On Five on the map as the best restaurant in Cheltenham.”

Edward Surman, The Nook On Five Owner and Commercial Director, added: “We’re unbelievably excited to welcome John as our new Executive Head Chef. Our ambition has always been to offer the people of Cheltenham, and foodies travelling from across the region and beyond, something completely unique, using local produce from the best butchers, fishmongers and grocers in the Southwest.

“Having someone of John’s expertise and calibre on the team aligns perfectly with the bespoke customer experience we strive for - from our food to our rooftop restaurant to our unique collection of fantastic wines sourced from vineyards across the region. John and The Nook team are looking forward to welcoming all our guests, new and old.”
The Nook On Five will also be running a Valentine’s Day tasting menu (available from 8th-14th February), featuring exclusive recipes including an asparagus, poached bantam egg; hollandaise and grated truffle starter; a main dish of poussin with broad beans and crepes; and a classic tiramisu for dessert - perfect for those who prefer to have their meals made Michelin style.

The new daytime and A la Carte menus will be available from February 3rd, 2025, with tables available to book online via https://thenookcheltenham.co.uk/pages/book-a-table, or by email via bookings@thenookcheltenham.co.uk.