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Swinton Estate has appointed Steve Darou as Executive Head Chef. Darou joins from St. John restaurants in London, where he served as Group Head Chef. His appointment will strengthen Swinton’s estate-to-plate ethos, with a focus on the connection between land and kitchen, whole-animal butchery, seasonality and the use of estate produce with minimal waste.
A key part of his role will be developing the wider chef team, helping them build a deeper understanding of how to handle and use ingredients from across the county and create a more authentic expression of Swinton’s land, people and provenance.
Steve Darou said: “I am delighted to be joining Swinton and leading the food offering across the estate. Having grown up in Canada with a strong connection to foraging and fishing, I have always held a deep respect for produce and provenance.
After 12 years with St. John in London, I am excited to work with the team to realise the full potential of one of the country’s great estates, from its exceptional walled kitchen garden to the wider landscape that shapes its identity. It is a rare opportunity to create food that is not only delicious, but truly rooted in place.”
Alongside Darou’s appointment, Josh Barnes will conclude his time at the Chef’s Table at Swinton on 5 July, bringing to a close an important chapter in the evolution of the estate’s culinary offering. During his tenure, the Chef’s Table was awarded 3 AA Rosettes and received Michelin recognition. Further details of the next chapter for the experience will be announced in due course.
General Manager Ramune Aleks added: “This is an exciting moment for Swinton, and we are delighted to welcome Steve to the estate. His appointment reflects our ambition to build a kitchen culture that combines exceptional cooking with a deeper understanding of provenance, seasonality and regenerative hospitality, while making the very most of the extraordinary produce and farming heritage around us.”
Associated News
New chef in the kitchen, with diners invited to watch the culinary magic
This sets out the launch of the Chef’s Table at Swinton and gives useful background on Josh Barnes’ role before his departure.
Swinton Estate Appoints Ramune Aleks as New General Manager
This gives readers wider context on Swinton Estate’s senior leadership and the leisure, dining and hospitality operations now being shaped under Ramune Aleks’ management.
Beyond Green welcomes Swinton Park Hotel as its first member in the United Kingdom
This helps readers understand Swinton’s sustainability credentials and estate-led positioning, which connect directly to provenance, seasonality and regenerative hospitality.
