"This could be in the top 50 gastropubs of the UK"
Great British Menu contestant Michael Carr has joined Sean Reddington’s Old Vol gastropub as Executive Head Chef, with plans to open a second establishment in Nottinghamshire.
Michael joins The Old Vol, which has already won two AA rosettes after opening in December 2021, after working as Head Chef of Fenchurch in London's Sky Garden.
Speaking to The Staff Canteen about his decision to join the pub located just outside the city of Nottingham in Caythorpe, Michael said: “I really want to elevate this. I feel like this could be in the top 50 gastropubs of the UK, I really think this has got so much potential, it's got a great young talented head chef, who I'm going to really work closely with to make sure we can elevate his already very high food standards.”
Despite opening just 12 months ago, the pub has already won two AA rosettes, with Michael seeking to take the pub’s success to the next level.
"I think the Old Vol is something that I would love to achieve to be a really high standard, almost take it away from being a pub now, to being a really high standard restaurant,” he explained.
As well as the Old Vol, Michael also discussed his and Sean’s plans to open a separate pub called The Reindeer, just down the road in the village of Hoveringham.
Michael revealed: "That's going to be The Reindeer at Hoveringham, which has been a pub since the 18th century. It's a beautiful little building, about 40 covers, so it's a gorgeous little intimate venue. We've just renovated it. It’s completely brand-new, brand-new kitchen, and a really nice colour scheme in the interior.”
Starting from scratch, Michael’s aim for pub is similar to The Old Vol with his sights set on getting the pub into a top 50 ranking British gastropub, however with plans to offer a different food style to guests.
Discussing his vision for the reindeer pub in more detail, Michael explained: "I want it to be more small plates, really build your own menu so lots of sharing, but we'll still do like a really beautiful steak on there, and source it so it's absolutely stunning."
Sharing kitchen talent from The Old Vol, staff at The Reindeer will be comprised of existing staff who will work across both sites, creating a team of 45 members of staff across the two venues.
The Old Vol’s current Head Chef Jack Pearce, a young chef who’s already carved a promising career out for himself after being named Nottingham’s Best Young Chef 2019, will assist Michael in providing a unique dining experience at The Reindeer at Hoveringham.
Both of Michael’s projects reflect the chef’s drive and passion to create outstanding spaces for guests to dine and escape from the humdrum of everyday life, as well as taking more active role in managing a business with his business partner Sean.
“I think this really attracts me because I can get involved in all sides of the business,” he said.
Describing his role within the business and being more than just an executive chef at an award-winning venue, Michael explained: “I've come in as Sean's business partner, so I obviously want to oversee the kitchen operations, but I want to try and give as much of myself to all parts of the business and I think the base level it's at now is already very high. I think it's just elevating that now and just inspiring the guys to really run with it.”
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