Richard Birch, a protege of Prue Leith’s restaurant in London’s Notting Hill Gate, has joined the Claremont as Executive Chef of Coast Bar & Brasserie.
 
Formerly the Head Chef at Samphire on North Quay, an early convert to the kitchen, Richard worked from the age of 14 at Hunters in North Wales, before training professionally with Leith’s Restaurant. Famous throughout the food world for its fresh, simple and contemporary approach, Leith’s gained its Michelin star while he was in residence. He has also worked with Chef Rowley Leigh in London alongside Philip Reeve.
 
Richard commented, “The Coast restaurant is a gorgeous space, in particular the promenade and sea view is beautiful so I’m very keen to enhance these natural resources and ambiance with some classic signature dishes’.
 
A strong advocate of Manx produce, Richard is keen to maintain and enhance Coast’s reputation for using high quality local fresh food. He is also “big on fish” and will be ensuring seafood is always on the menu, including of course, Manx queenies when they are in season.
 
Richard who lives with his partner and two children, is an enthusiastic kite surfer in his spare time. He cites Prue as his enduring inspiration, saying he holds fast to her conviction that food should be “simple and excellent”:
 
“My test for any new dish is ‘would they be happy with this in Prue’s kitchen?’” he says. “I’m a great believer in small but perfectly formed high quality menus that takes full advantage of seasonal produce when it is at its absolute best.”
 
Claremont Managing Director Mark Wilson said Richard’s appointment will allow Coast to further develop its already high-quality restaurant offering.  “We are very delighted to have secured the services of one of the Isle of Mans top chefs, Richards experience at some of the most well-known local eateries will be extremely valuable as we progress with our future plans for Coast, the Claremont and our developing off-site catering services.
 
“With Richard alongside Head Chef Andy Coulson in the Coast kitchens, we have an awesome team in place that is totally dedicated to producing the best quality food and dining experience on the Isle of Man.”
 
Photo - Executive Chef, Richard Birch.