Nick began his culinary journey with De Vere Hotels back in 1988 where he started as an apprentice chef and has been cooking ever since. He has travelled and lived around the Mediterranean searching for his favourite style of cooking. This is where he learned how to cook and perfect Spanish cuisine including his published Cornish Paella recipe which you will find on the menu at The Heron Inn & Edgecumbe Arms. Nick and his wife Amanda were awarded the British Innkeeping Institute prestigious “Licensee of the Year Award” in June this year, beating another300 talented licensees across the UK. This award is considered the hardest fought competition in the industry.
Nick was also a finalist at The Craft Guild of Chefs Awards last year, narrowly missing out at the London based final. “The past year has been amazing, and we are thankful to our team for always delivering exceptional service to our guests” says Nick. The couple also own The Heron Farm & Coffee Shop in Malpas that is situated on the river. The shop was opened during COVID and is heavily focused on local produce from the area. The farm shop offers a relaxing place for the local community. The village now has a shop where the local residents can meet and relax without venturing to the big supermarkets. They also acquired a new business in December, The Edgecumbe Arms in Cremyll, a beautiful 6 bedroom, riverside gastropub adjacent to the Royal William Yard in Plymouth and directly next to Mount Edgcumbe Park. The Heron Inn continues to grow, and we are extremely proud of all our achievements over the last 6 years, and we hope to continue to grow, our focus will always be on local produce, fantastic wine, beer and exceptional service.