Gareth Bartram to leave Winteringham Fields after nine years

In a message on social media, the chef said the time had come “to move on and explore new opportunities”.

“I will be leaving Winteringham Fields at the end of February,” he wrote. “To say I’m going to miss Winteringham Fields is a massive understatement, as I have loved every minute of my time here.”

Bartram studied at catering college in Grimsby before getting his first cheffing job at Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café in London aged 19. He later worked at Jack’s Restaurant in Corsham, Bath under Jamie Hirst before moving to Lincolnshire to work under Colin McGurran at Winteringham Fields.

He worked through the ranks and became head chef at the restaurant in July 2018. The restaurant won a Michelin star the following year and remains Lincolnshire's only Michelin starred restaurant.

The kitchen will now be headed up by former sous chef James Nicklin, who has worked there since November 2019 and has previously held roles at Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa, and The Star Inn in Sancton.

“I cannot than Colin McGurran enough for his guidance and for the opportunities he has given me over the last 9 years, I wouldn’t be the chef I am today without the mentorship and support he has given me over my time at WF,” Bartram added.

“Good luck to [Nicklin] (not that he’ll need it) he is going to smash it! I’m sure the restaurant will go from strength to strength with him heading up the kitchen. Thank you for being by my side for the past 4 years.

“To the team past and present, thank you for your dedication, passion, hard work and commitment to delivering such a high standard of food, service and hospitality. We wouldn’t have achieved so much without all of you!”

The chef says he has some “exciting news” that will follow in the next few weeks.