Stéphane grew up in Agen, in southwestern France. He was surrounded by family who respected and loved food – from his Perigourdin Grandfather Marcel’s potager to his Aunties Jacqueline, Evelyne and Danielle’s refined culinary skills.
A severe kitchen apprenticeship in his hometown was followed by an invaluable experience in Bordeaux at La Tupina. This was perfect preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for Michel Roux Snr at The Waterside in Bray. Seven years in this three Michelin star kitchen shaped and honed Stéphane’s skills and made him the confident and exacting chef he is today.
He launched his own restaurant at The Herbert Arms, in Chirbury, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, with his partner Sarah, who had also cooked at The Waterside Inn, and Sarah’s sister, Kathryn Francis. Then, when the opportunity arose, the three opened French restaurant The Checkers over the border in Montgomery, Powys.
They moved into The Checkers in 2011 and won a Michelin star within seven months.
Stéphane grew up in Agen, in southwestern France. He was surrounded by family who respected and loved food – from his Perigourdin Grandfather Marcel’s potager to his Aunties Jacqueline, Evelyne and Danielle’s refined culinary skills.
A severe kitchen apprenticeship in his hometown was followed by an invaluable experience in Bordeaux at La Tupina. This was perfect preparation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for Michel Roux Snr at The Waterside in Bray. Seven years in this three Michelin star kitchen shaped and honed Stéphane’s skills and made him the confident and exacting chef he is today.
He launched his own restaurant at The Herbert Arms, in Chirbury, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire, with his partner Sarah, who had also cooked at The Waterside Inn, and Sarah’s sister, Kathryn Francis. Then, when the opportunity arose, the three opened French restaurant The Checkers over the border in Montgomery, Powys.
They moved into The Checkers in 2011 and won a Michelin star within seven months.
The family-run Michelin-star restaurant with rooms offers classic French fine dining and luxury accommodation in an historic former coaching inn, The Checkers is the perfect place for a short break in Wales, or to celebrate a special occasion with our tasting menus, fine wines and local ale.
Stephane and Sarah have settled in Montgomery with their three children – Lexie, Roxanne and Fabien – all of whom share their parents’ passion for food. They published their debut book in 2016, called The Frenchman and the Farmer’s Daughters.
Follow Stephane at: The Checkers, Montgomery
