John Burton-Race takes on new role at Cheltenham restaurant

Chef John Burton-Race, a popular face on TV and with a Michelin-starred background, has taken on a new role at The Nook on Five in Cheltenham.

The Nook is a rooftop restaurant in the Cotswolds, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts.

The current dinner menu includes dishes such as sirloin steak, Cornish cod, roasted scallops and orange rice pudding, while new menus are set to be launched in February, crafted by John.

John has worked in kitchens for 35 years, as well as writing cookbooks and, in 2007, competed on ITV’s hit reality show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, alongside the likes of Christopher Biggins and Janice Dickinson.

Born in Singapore, the 67-year-old worked under the legendary Raymond Blanc during his time at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, before Raymond appointed him head chef of Le Petit Blanc in Oxford. It was there John earned his first Michelin star, before moving on to L’Ortolan in Berkshire, where he won two Michelin stars.

In the 1990s, John opened John Burton-Race Restaurant at the Landmark Hotel in London, also earning two Michelin stars.

John competed on Great British Menu in 2006, losing out to Michael Caines in the South West showdown.

After his regular televised appearances, John took over The New Angel in Dartmouth, again enjoying success.

In more recent times, John has been working as a consultant chef.

A Michelin-Starred Chef Brings His Expertise to Cheltenham

An announcement from The Nook read: “We are excited and honoured to announce that John Burton-Race is joining us as our new executive chef, adding his experienced twist on a selection of renowned modern British classics, whilst also introducing some new, exciting dishes to our menus!”

In quotes reported by GloucestershireLive, John 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.”

He added: “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.”