Tom Clarke has always had a strong connection with cooking and food from childhood not too far from here in Great Waltham where his grandparents ran The Bakery.

Tom has worked at some of the best restaurants in England and France 2* Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons and Jean-Andre Charial in France at Le Strato hotel in Courchevel and the legendary ‘L’ Oustau de Baumaniere both 2 Michelin starred.

In 2015 Tom took the helm at L’Ortolan awarded and retained 1 Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes for 5 years. Tom was also awarded Chef of the year for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire in 2018.

In October 2022 Tom and his partner Nancy fulfilled their dream and opened up their very own restaurant “The Windmill” in Chatham Green, just outside of Chelmsford.