Head Chef - Ben Abercrombie
Ben started his career washing pots at the age at 15, then quickly got among the frying pans and onto the grill shortly afterwards. His strong passion for food meant he would begin learning his trade by working in the kitchen alongside a Michelin star chef. Ben's confidence grew and flourished in the next few years and he won 'Young Pub Chef of the Year 2009'. Now, aged 18, he has taken up the role of Head Chef at The Old Inn and is cooking up a storm. He has cooked alongside Mitch Tonks at his Seahorse Restaurant in Devon, learning everything there is to know about fish. His passion and enthusiasm ensure his food is exquisite and unforgettable.
Ty started his career in catering at the age of 15, washing up at a local restaurant. He became more interested in good food and pub dining during his time there and jumped at an opportunity to work alongside the chef. He then found himself at The Prince of Wales in Stoke, starting on making salads and baguettes, soon to find he loved kitchen life. In an effort to be the best in his trade, he enrolled on a NVQ catering course at Yeovil College. Following his luck with the light snacks, he began working up starters and desserts. Shortly after this, an opportunity at The Helyar Arms in East Coker to be a commis chef came up. Here he learned more and grew in confidence and entered the Young Pub Chef Awards and won his category. After a couple of years at The Helyar Arms and then a well deserved break to go traveling, Ty joined us.
Carolyn's smile is the first thing you will encounter at The Old Inn, followed by her enthusiasm which will put you at ease as she offers you her time to share a giggle. Caz, as we fondly know her, is a real foodie and enjoys wine. Prior to joining us in August 2011, she spent time in our kitchen and sampling our menu to get to grips with the nuances and flavours we offer, she continues to work with our Restaurant Manager to ensure our menu is lively, refreshing and maintains our premium standard. Her love and commitment to the service industry is illustrated through her experiences working in a variety of roles at Holbrook House Hotel, Wincanton; The Manor Inn in Ditcheat and beginning her career with Rick Stein in Padstow.
Restaurant Manager - Russell
Russells inspiration and love of food stems from his father's passion who was at the time a 'Fellow of the Old Masters Chef Society' and worked in 2 leading hotels in Cardiff city. Russell joined his father at the age of 18 at the Angel Hotel in Cardiff as a trainee waiter. With his fathers support he later progressed to the position of 'Head Waiter' at the Stage Hotel in Leicester. From here on in Russell went on to work on the QE2 and then later with Marco Pierre-White at the Café Royal Grill Rooms in London. Today he is proud to have the position of Restaurant Manager here at 'The Old Inn' and to be part of the team who have helped gain the recent accolade of the 'Best Food Pub in the SouthWest-2011'
