When a local chef cooks with local produce, the results can only be outstanding…

Having had the honour to cook for Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in a short few months, chef Chris Jones has turned up the heat in the kitchen at the quaint Groes Inn – a historic pub, restaurant and Inn which was built in 1573.

Chris grew up in Conwy and has spent most of his career working locally and producing dishes using the finest Welsh ingredients around. Chris worked for three years in the famous village of Portmeirion before a short stint in the Channel Islands.

Chris is happy to be back in North Wales and prides himself on using local produce, supporting farmers when possible and creating memorable dishes like the Haunch of Venison, served with bourguignon sauce, potato gratin and roast shallots. He also makes a tasty Sunday roast!

Chris finds enjoyment in training junior chefs, making sure the pride in food and the pride of North Wales is handed down to the next generation of chefs – just as it was handed down to him from his mentors. We sent Carly Redgers to have a chat with the culinary mastermind…

How did you get your start in cooking? 

I got my start in cooking from the early age of 13. Both my grandmother and mother inspired me to experiment in the kitchen

Who do you admire in the culinary world?

Massimo Bottara

What is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Cooking for Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla

What is your signature dish?

Slow braised Ox cheek, red peppers and shallot pearl barley, baby vegetables, Ox jus

What makes Welsh cuisine so special?

Welsh cuisine has a lot to offer, from Welsh Lamb to Welsh black beef – local produce is key in North Wales!

Which local suppliers do you work with?

We work closely with the catering butchers Williams of Flint

Who would you like to cook for?

The Queen!

On a night off, where do you like to dine?

At home with my beautiful family

What advice do you have for a cooking enthusiast?

Don’t be scared to try new things!

And the new things that Chris tries on the menu compliment the history of The Groes Inn perfectly. The Groes is the first licensed house in Wales – and today it is all about the food. The inn has two dining areas: a handsome restaurant with a bright, airy conservatory, and a heart-warming, snug and welcoming pub with cosy log fires.

Its menus feature a range of freshly prepared seasonal dishes that have been made using fine, locally sourced ingredients, and it also offers a selection of pub classics and fresh, tasty daily specials where Chris can really show off those North Walian ingredients to their very best. n

The Groes Inn is located on Llanrwst Road in Conwy and is open Monday through Sunday from 11am-11pm. Visit www.groesinn.com for more information

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