A taste of the British coast and countryside

Hailing from Bedfordshire, England, Chef Rob’s culinary journey began watching his mother find joy in preparing comforting meals for their family. This early inspiration ignited Chef Rob’s desire to spread happiness through food, setting him on a path toward a fulfilling career in cooking.

After mastering his mum’s quiche lorraine recipe in high school, his culinary talent flourished. His dedication to his craft brought him to Lucknam Park, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Hywel Jones, whose emphasis on hard work and humility left a lasting impression.

Fate intervened when Rob fell in love with a Canadian, prompting him to embark on a culinary adventure across the pond. From the acclaimed Hawksworth Restaurant at Rosewood Hotel Georgia in Vancouver to The West Coast Fishing Club in Haida Gwaii and Albreda Lodge in the Rocky Mountains, Chef Rob honed his skills and expanded his culinary horizons. Most recently, he opened The Restaurant at Poplar Grove in British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan Valley.

Now settled in Toronto, Chef Rob is delighted to infuse The Dorset with a dose of nostalgia, blending classic British flavours with fine dining flair. Alongside District Executive Chef Ryan Lister, he crafts memorable experiences through dishes like crispy lamb sweetbreads and mackerel tartare, striking a balance between relaxed elegance and refined sophistication.

Outside the kitchen, music remains a constant in Chef Rob’s life, nurtured by his upbringing in a musical family. On his days off, he can be found enjoying strolls in the park with his wife and dog, making time to savour a cup of tea along the way.