Chef Karl Bashford prides himself on producing honest, earthy food in his kitchen at 17th century The Anvil Inn, in Pimperne, Dorset. In the summer, he relies on the abundance of fresh fish from the local coastline such as lobsters, whole fish and shellfish. In the autumn and winter months, the local shoots provide plenty of game for the kitchen, including partridge, venison and grouse.
Karl and his wife Zuzana are also proprietors of The Half Moon Inn, Melplash, which was a new entry in 2016’s Michelin Guide and Eating Out Pubs and awarded a Taste of the West Gold Award for 2016. Prior to taking the helm at The Half Moon, Karl and Zuzana earned accolades at The Three Horseshoes in Powerstock, receiving many awards and Guide mentions, including: Michelin Guide recommended 2011 to 2015; Michelin Pub Guide 2011 to 2015 (Inspectors’ Favourite, 2015 edition); AA Rosette 2012 to 2015 and Trencherman’s Guide 2015.
Originally from Croydon, Karl first moved to the West Country in the late 90s. A late starter in the kitchen, he didn’t start cooking till his late 20s. He went to college in Salisbury part-time, then moved to Bristol where he ran a pub for his family business. Whilst there he completed his level 3 NVQ at Brunel College. After gaining experience in kitchens of Somerset, he moved to London, where he worked for Gordon Ramsay, and then for Gastro Pubs as a Head Chef in Covent Garden, Hammersmith and Hampstead Village.
Follow Karl at:
Website : Anvil Pimperne
