Portrait of James Greatorex
i. Biography
The path is built through named kitchens, with each move marked by a clear role and a harder brief.
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The Path
Training at Chesterfield College gave James Greatorex the base for service work that started at The Fat Duck in Bray. From there, the line continued to L'Ortolan near Reading, first as Junior Sous Chef from 2018–2020 and then as Head Chef from 2020–2024. Since 2024, Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire has been the current post, where the same kitchen discipline now carries into a new room.
Signature
John Dory with snails and parsley sits as James Greatorex’s signature dish, a combination that points to a precise hand and a preference for clean, direct flavour pairing.
In Their Words “My favourite dish is my John Dory with snails and parsley.”
Acclaim
The progression reads plainly: Chesterfield College, The Fat Duck, then L'Ortolan, where James Greatorex moved from Junior Sous Chef to Head Chef before taking the lead at Grove of Narberth.
FAQ
Asked of James
What is James Greatorex's current role?
As of 2026, James Greatorex is Head Chef.
Where did James Greatorex train or study?
James Greatorex trained at Chesterfield College.
The Sunday email
Read about chefs like James Greatorex in the Sunday email.
Every Sunday we send a lead story and up to four more about the chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and hoteliers behind the restaurants, bars, wineries and hotels we cover.
Recent stories
Free. One email a week, and you can unsubscribe from any issue.