The Candlelight Inn appoints new head chef

Candlelight Inn in Somerset has appointed Devon-born chef Charlotte Vincent as head chef.

Vincent, who has made two appearances on the BBC cooking show Great British Menu, began her career with the army and went on to work alongside chef Michael Caines.

Her food is described as “modern British with influence from Scandinavian and French cuisines, however her passion for local produce is something that owner Mike Rose is proud to promote at The Candlelight Inn”.

Raised in Exeter, Vincent completed her Masters in Psychology and Human Biology at the University of Plymouth before joining the Royal Logistics Corp of the British Army.

She then joined Caines at Gidleigh Park, where she worked as a pastry chef, after which she went to The Royal Clarence Hotel.

Vincent said: “I’m so happy to be part of the Candlelight Team. I have admired them over the years, and this is now a chance for me to put my stamp on the Candlelight experience. I am excited to make the most of their beautiful home grown herbs and vegetables. The team is a talented bunch who I am looking forward to producing incredible food with.”

Rose, owner of Candlelight Inn, added: “It has been said that food is the way to the heart and we have always believed in good food from professional, passionate chefs with forward thinking, new ideas.

“Having Charlotte join the team is a chance to bring beautiful, high quality new dishes to our menu. We are very excited about this next chapter in the Candlelight Inn story and we welcome Charlotte with open arms.”

He added: “Charlotte has consistently made it her mission to create a fully inclusive and calm kitchen where everyone is treated equally and taught professionally. She is one of few female head chefs in the region and is setting a very strong example to others who are interested in joining the industry.”