FORMER Hardwick chef Stephen Terry is returning to Abergavenny for a new role at a prestigious local venue.

The man who spent 18 years turning the Horse and Jockey pub into the Michelin-starred Hardwick will be picking up the reins as head chef at luxury wedding venue Sant Ffraed House.

In a recent Facebook post, the team behind the Grade II listed country house 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.”

They explained that “it’s incredibly rare to find a chef of Stephen’s calibre leading the kitchen of a wedding venue.” And added that “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.”

Terry, who began his career at the legendary Harvey’s under Marco Pierre White bagged his first Michelin star as a fresh-faced 25-year-old.

He called time on the Hardwick in 2023 after an employee stole £150,000 from the business.

An application to turn his former stomping ground into a care home is ongoing; meanwhile, Terry is one again back in the heart of Abergavenny cooking up a storm.

The boutique wedding venue is excited to have Terry on board, and it heralds a major new chapter for Sant Ffraed House, where they are developing a more flexible approach to wedding menus, with dynamic new options ranging from traditional dining to street food.

Terry explained, “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.”