Great British Menu 2020: Thomas Carr, South West heat

Thomas Carr is chef owner of the one Michelin starred, Thomas Carr at The Olive Room in Devon.

Thomas opened The Olive Room in spring 2014 and it was awarded its first Michelin star in 2016. He prides himself on fresh, ingredient-led food in an intimate setting.

Thomas Carr started his culinary career in 2002 as head chef at Beachcomber Café in his home town of Woolacombe, Devon. He later moved to Watersmeet Hotel where he was chef de partie from 2004 to 2009.

He then moved to Nathan Outlaw's Seafood and Grill restaurant at The St Enodoc Hotel in Cornwall, where he started as a sous chef. When Nathan opened the new ‘Restaurant Nathan Outlaw’ in February 2010, Thomas was promoted to head chef there. During Thomas' time there, the restaurant gained two Michelin stars within the first year of opening.

 

 

 

 

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When better than #WorldBookDay to share this fantastic chapter in The Olive Room’s story? For this year’s theme @greatbritishmenu is celebrating Britain’s Success in Children’s Literature - what a fantastic brief! So stay tuned folks In the mean time, why not join us in March for our Food Fest deal which has been extended due to such high demand! 3 courses for £30p on Tuesday-Thursday evenings and Wednesday-Friday lunchtimes? Book using the link in our bio. #GreatBritishMenu2020 #GBM #SouthWest #GreatBritishMenu #Chef #Ilfracombe #NorthDevon #Devon #Restaurant #MichelinStar @michelinguide @lovenorthdevon @fooddrinkdevon @foodinsidersguide @exmoorfoodfest

A post shared by thomascarrchef (@thomascarrchef) on Mar 5, 2020 at 12:35pm PST

Alongside working at the restaurant, Thomas took part in outside events including a pop up in London and several food festivals. When Thomas returned to North Devon in 2013, he took up the position of executive chef at The Coach House, Kentisbury Grange.

Working with renowned chef Michael Caines MBE, Thomas built up a team from scratch, and the restaurant was a success. The Coach House received 2 AA Rosettes during the first 6 months of opening and a full entry into the 2014 Trencherman’s Guide: a comprehensive list of the top restaurants in the South West of England.