New chef takes the helm at Monty’s Inn in Beaulieu
Visit Monty's Inn in the New Forest for traditional British classics with creative flavours and textures
Monty’s Inn in the New Forest village of Beaulieu has appointed Thomas Sheppard as its new head chef. With over a decade in the industry, Tom has a flair for flavour and loves locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
His menu will offer traditional British classics with a modern twist showcasing creative flavours and textures. New dishes will include blackened garlic chicken Kiev, lamb Barnsley chop with kohl rabi and garden mint, and nettle gnudi, with sunflower seeds, preserved tomatoes, chard and nettles from the hotel garden. Lovers of the famous Monty’s Inn homemade local pork Scotch egg can rest assured these will remain on the menu!
Tom started his career in hospitality at Turtle Bay in Southampton, where he developed his essential skills and passion for food.
He joined The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu – part of the same company as Monty’s Inn – as a chef de partie in 2010, and then moved on to The Pig in Brockenhurst, where he started in 2014 and rose through the ranks to the role of sous chef.
It was at The Pig that Tom developed his own signature style, creating elegant and refined dishes that put the spotlight on quality ingredients.
Tom said: “The focus at Monty’s Inn is firmly on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and this is something I am passionate about. We grow our own fruit and vegetables in our kitchen garden and use local suppliers from the coast and countryside around the New Forest and Hampshire.
“I am looking forward to working with the brilliant kitchen team, creating delicious new dishes that take advantage of the fantastic local produce available to us.”
James Hiley-Jones, Managing Director of Greenclose Hotels, which runs The Montagu Arms, Monty’s Inn and Careys Manor, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom back to our company in his new role as head chef at Monty’s Inn.
“Tom brings his passion for local, seasonal ingredients to his role, and has a clear vision for what he wants to achieve at this beautiful traditional country pub. I’m very excited to see what lies ahead.”
Alongside its delicious food, the charming country inn offers a wide range of beverages including the award-winning hand-pulled Ringwood ales.
