Drake's restaurant appoints new head chef

11-Sep-2016 - Last updated on 27-Apr-2021 at 13:15 GMT

Fred Clapperton has replaced Steve Drake as the head chef at Drake’s Restaurant in Ripley, Surrey following the former owner’s departure.

Steve left his position at the end of August after separating from his wife Serina, who continues to run the business.

Now the 28-year-old Clapperton is taking the reins at the restaurant, which has held a Michelin Star for over ten years.

The chef joined Drake’s as demi chef de partie on pastry in 2012, and has been sous chef since November 2013.

A representative for Drake’s told BigHospitality that while there would be no significant changes at the restaurant Clapperton was hoping to develop his own style and make his mark on the menu.

"I am delighted and excited to be head chef at Drake's and I couldn't ask for a better platform to start from,” said Clapperton.

"My passion is for creativity and design alongside food. I hope the restaurant will continue to go from strength to strength and gain accolades. We have great teams front and back-of-house."

Serina Drake said it was a ‘natural choice’ to give Clapperton the chance to ‘take the reins and flourish’ as head chef.

"We considered a number of different potential candidates, but Fred really stood out from the crowd,” she said.

“I am really excited and looking forward to working closely with Fred and our restaurant manager Joseph Pocceschi to take the restaurant forward."

Steve and Serina Drake launched Drake’s in 2004 and it was awarded a Michelin Star in its first year of opening.