Steve Drake

Steve's career began in Essex at Southend Technical College, whilst working in a local restaurant and from there heading to London to the Ritz Hotel.  This was the start of a ten year spell working for some of the country's best restaurants.  His first head chef position was a new opening, Drakes On The Pond, where as sole chef Steve achieved a Michelin Star.  In 2001 he won the Roux Scholarship and as his prize worked with Marc Veyrat in Annecy.

In 2004 Steve and Serina had the opportunity to buy a restaurant site in the village of Ripley, and fulfilling an ambition opened Drakes Restaurant.  It has been awarded a Michelin Star every year since 2005.