Meet the Executive Chef....Phil Yeomans

Hello there,

Welcome back to another meet the chef article from Tea With Me and Friends!

Last weekend Lorna and I went to the Marwell hotel in Hampshire, to try the new afternoon tea on offer from their new Executive Chef Phil Yeomans. Phil had joined Marwell only in August this year and we were keen to sample his afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea - Marwell Hotel

We were really impressed with the quality of the food on offer - not a crust in sight on those sandwiches and the cakes and pastries were divine. We were all delighted when Chef Phil came out to meet us at the end of tea, we thoroughly enjoyed chatting to him and finding out what his plans are for the hotel.

For Phil it's important that his dishes are seasonal and local, he sources his ingredients from the local area and is keen to support local producers. This was reflected in the serving staff who were able to tell us where all the different ingredients came from.

Phil Yeomans
Executive Chef Marwell Hotel

Phil was also kind enough to answer our afternoon tea questions, so let's find out whether he's a cream or jam first kinda guy......

Q How long does it usually take you to create new afternoon teas?

Not long, with great local produce in Hampshire we look at what’s in season and around us and build from there. Usually we spend a week to put it together and perfect it before we go live.

Q. Where does your inspiration for new teas come from?

I think the inspiration is to develop treats that are different food combinations that work well together and have a wow factor. Making sure we use the best local in season food available -but I also believe there is place for the traditional cakes done amazing well

Q. What is your favourite part of your latest afternoon tea?

I love the salted caramel, chocolate pave with honeycomb, it eats so well and we get to show case our own honey, it’s a big crowd pleaser 

Afternoon tea treats - Marwell Hotel

Q. Do you enjoy a spot of afternoon tea yourself and have you tried tea anywhere else?

I do enjoy it, really loved having tea at the Lanesborough in London 

Q. What is your favourite filling in an afternoon tea sandwich?

I enjoy the classic smoked salmon with a good kick of lemon crème fraiche and malt bread 

Q. The all important question - do you put cream or jam on your scone first?

I go jam, the jam sticks to the bottom and then load the cream high on top 

Q. If you could invite any guest to enjoy afternoon tea with you, who would it be and why?

Would have to be mum- she loves a good afternoon tea and is well over due a treat 

 Well, would you believe - jam first! I have to agree with Phil about the salted caramel, chocolate pave with honeycomb though - so scrummy!

It was really interesting to listen to Phil, he is very passionated about using local produce and providing high quality, seasonal dishes. I can't wait to see how the afternoon tea at Marwell evolves.

Thank you to Phil and the team at the Marwell Hotel for their time.

Thanks for popping by today,

Rachel