CELEBRITY chef Stephen Terry is returning to the kitchen for a new role at a prestigious venue, just down the road from his old Hardwick haunt.

Gordon Ramsey’s best man, who spent 18 years turning the Horse and Jockey pub into the award-winning Hardwick, will be picking up the reins as head chef at luxury wedding venue Sant Ffraed House in Llanvihangel Gobion, near Raglan.

It comes amid news of plans to convert The Hardwick off the same road, which has lain empty for three years since it closed, into a care home.

The team behind Grade II-listed country house Sant Ffraed, nestled amidst a 14-acre grand estate announced: “This is what we meant when we said we were turning up the heat. And this is no ordinary appointment.

Stephen Terry, far right, next to James Martin, and other guests on the latter's Saturday Kitchen show.
Stephen Terry, far right, next to James Martin, and other guests on the latter's Saturday Morning show. (Stepen Terry/James Martin's Saturday Kitchen)

”It’s incredibly rare to find a chef of Stephen’s calibre leading the kitchen of a wedding venue.

“Terry’s Michelin-starred pedigree, years of experience in cooking in some of the the most respected kitchens in British and European food, and more than three decades at the very top of his game will be a massive plus to anyone’s wedding day.

“Stephen started out at the legendary Harvey’s under Marco Pierre White, went on to Le Gavroche with Michel Roux Jr, and earned his first Michelin star at just 25.

“A second Michelin star followed at The Walnut Tree (at Llanddewi Skirrid), before he went on to create The Hardwick, one of Wales’ most celebrated dining destinations, which he led for 18 years.

“He’s cooked for world leaders at the NATO Summit, appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning and Great British Menu, and been named Independent Restaurateur of the Year...

“His arrival marks a major new chapter for Sant Ffraed House, with brand new menus spanning traditional dining, feasting, street food and relaxed social styles.

“This is wedding food, taken to another level. More choice. More flexibility. More freedom to make your wedding completely your own.”

Having turned the Hardwick into the Wales Restaurant of the Year, in 2015 he prepared the menu for the NATO summit at The Celtic Manor, serving Barack Obama and other world leaders.

But the much-loved eaterie closed in 2023 after he separated from his wife and business partner in the wake of an employee stealing £150,000 from them.

Terry, who appeared again on James Martin’s Saturday Morning a few weeks ago, said: “My approach has always been about great ingredients, proper cooking and big flavour, but I also love the freedom this gives us to think differently about wedding food.

“Whether that’s a beautifully executed traditional menu, generous feasting or something much more relaxed, the quality should always be exceptional.

"Weddings are some of the most memorable days of people’s lives, and the food should live up to that. I’m looking forward to working with the team and creating something really special for Sant Ffraed couples and their guests.”

The boutique venue has seen several high-profile people hold wedding celebrations there, including rugby stars Josh Navidi and Liam Williams, and Olympic gold medal boxer Lauren Price.