i. Biography
The Climb
A kitchen path that starts at pot wash and reaches head chef tells you the work was earned, not inherited. Benjamin Palmer’s early shift at a pub in Looe put him on the bottom rung: pans, clearing down, service pace, and the repetition that teaches standards before anyone hands over authority. From there, the move to head chef at Trawler’s on the Quay in Looe marked the point where his judgement, not just his labour, began to shape the pass. Executive head chef at Glazebrook House Hotel in South Brent (2014) added a short but useful layer to that progression. The title carries its own weight in the trade: keeping order across a kitchen, setting pace, and making sure delivery stays consistent. The return to Looe in 2018, this time as chef at The Sardine Factory in Looe, tied the work back to the coast that framed his earlier years. That step kept the focus on local ingredients and the practical knowledge of the sea. Today at Yamas, Benjamin Palmer continues in the same register, with his work still anchored to Looe and the kitchens that shaped him.
Today
A career that moves from pot wash to head chef gives Benjamin Palmer a full view of how a kitchen functions at every level. That background matters in the day-to-day: it means the pressure points are familiar, the standards are earned, and the line between control and chaos is easy to read. His reputation as a sardine expert adds a specific kind of authority, pointing to a cook whose knowledge is tied to place as much as technique. At Yamas, that experience reads as continuity rather than reinvention.
Signature
Benjamin's signature dishes include Sheila’s ice cream. A dish like that sits in the memory because it carries personality without needing extra explanation; it is the sort of plate that marks out a chef’s hand.
Recognition
Benjamin's honors include Michelin Bib Gourmand (2019) and Great British Menu starter course winner (South West) (2024). Those two recognitions sit alongside the climb: Michelin in 2019, then Great British Menu in 2024, each one landing on a career built steadily through service, responsibility, and repetition.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Benjamin
What is Benjamin Palmer's current role?
As of 2026, Benjamin Palmer is Chef Director.
Where did Benjamin Palmer work before?
Benjamin Palmer's earlier career included pub in his hometown of Looe, Trawler’s on the Quay, and Glazebrook House Hotel.
What recognition has Benjamin Palmer received?
Michelin Bib Gourmand (2019).
