Chris Harrod, Chef/Patron at The Whitebrook

Chris Harrod is the Chef Patron of The Whitebrook, a Restaurant with rooms, tucked away in the beautifully peaceful Wye Valley.

Chris Harrod had an ambition to be a chef from the age of seven. His dreams started to take shape when he worked alongside Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Chris’s first position as Head Chef was at Colette’s, the flagship restaurant of the newly opened 5-star hotel, The Grove, in Hertfordshire where he achieved 3 AA rosettes.

The Whitebrook, (originally The Crown at Whitebrook) has a long history, being one of Wales’s favourite restaurants since the 1970’S. Chris and his wife Kirsty had an ultimate dream of owning their own restaurant. With this dream they reopened the restaurant in 2013 with a vision inspired by their surroundings. The Whitebrook was awarded 1 Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes in September 2014 just 11 months after opening.

"Our location gives the restaurant its identity. Our dishes are rooted in French gastronomy. We are inspired by the most amazing local ingredients, foraged herbs and mushrooms from the valley. We want each of our guests to experience the valley on the plate." Chris makes full use of the abundant produce within the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, and offers guests a three course set menu and a seven course tasting menu available for lunch and dinner. Overnight guests can tuck into breakfast delights which include bacon, sausage and black pudding or if guests prefer smoked haddock and kippers all from local producers.

The Whitebrook is the epitome of a gastronomic rural retreat, just two and half hours from central London, and an hour from Cardiff. On arrival guests are greeted with delicious homemade Welsh cakes served with a welcome cup of tea. The Whitebrook has seven stylish bedrooms which have been awarded 5 star rating from both VisitWales and The AA.