Thank you

Twenty two years is a long time to be cooking at one place, few restaurants last the duration of half that and I can look back on it with many happy and proud memories. Of course Heathcotes Brasserie and the Olive Press on Winckley Square continue to serve smart casual food as they have done for 17 years, however, back to Longridge.  

So back in 1990, a fire after 9 days of opening and burning out the kitchen, reopening within 48 hours by calling on every friend and favour to help me and Gabbi to do so, a recession in October of the same year, followed by a Michelin Star then two in 1994, Egon Ronay Chef of the Year and four rosettes from AA.  I am still proud of those accolades and the 3 Cateys (our industry’s Oscars).   Amongst others, Honorary Fellows from UClan, John Moores and Bolton universities and an MBE in 2009 – it is rare that you have time to reflect but I am as proud of these as I am about some of the suppliers and people who have entered my restaurant and had their successes.  

Reg Johnson legendary Goosnargh chicken & duck, John Penny’s wonderful beef & lamb, Ruth Kirkham’s fantastic cheese, Chris Neves’ shiny glistening fish, Peter Papprill the cheese detective, Ed Cross - wines from Boutinot, Matthew Fort, Kevin Sambrook from Gerrard Seel – even more wines, and many more who have played their part in shaping the restaurant and the people who have contributed and passed through our doors.  

I am also immensely proud of the chefs who came along and cooked with me at Longridge - Raymond Blanc, Alistair Little, Nigel Haworth, Terry Laybourne, Anton Edelmann, Paul Rankin, Alan Bird, Mark Hix… I know I have missed a number out. Michael Wignall, now at Waldo’s, Cliveden, with his own Michelin Stars he has picked up on the way, was in my first brigade back in 1990, Andrew Barnes my first Head Chef who is now in Australia and recent Chef of the Year, Michael Currie became Young Waiter of the Year and is now FB Manager for Harvey Nichols, Alan Holmes, Sommelier at Chewton Glen who spent some time in helping Longridge achieve accolades – the list is endless.  

So here is a stab at a number of chefs and front of house who have been part of my history and played their part, and if you pick this article up add the many who I have missed – my apologies and my thanks at the same time – no particular order but add your hotel or restaurant and a link: Andrew Barnes, Jeremy Bewick,  Stephen Williams, Andrew Morris, Warrick Dodds, Lawrence Dodds, Max Gnoyke, Gary Scott, Adam Symonds, Duncan Cruickshank, Leigh Myers, Charlotte Taylor, Sarah Cooper, James Holah, Brendan Flydes, Paul Wiltshire, Stephen Fogie, William Jones, Chris and Kath Bell, Regis Sardais and Hywel Griffith, I know I have missed so many so it would be great to hear from you.  

Thank you for being part of our success and for being part of our celebration.  

Best wishes,

Paul,

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