Despite working in the kitchen of his family’s hotel from the age of 15, Erics passion for cooking began while working and travelling around Australia, working as a Sous Chef at the Rose & Crown in Snettisham when returned.
He then worked as Head Chef at his family’s award winning 28-bedroom boutique hotel on the North Norfolk coast, Titchwell Manor, which boasts 4 stars, is currently ranked 21 of the Top 50 Boutique hotels in the UK and has a place in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay 2019.
Eric gained his third AA Rosette for his stand-out culinary skills in 2013, which has been maintained every year since, going on to become Chef and Owner of Titchwell Manor in 2016.
In 2015 Eric opened Eric’s Fish & Chips restaurant and take-away in Thornham, along the North Norfolk coast, where he celebrates great British classics with a few modern twists, and in the summer of 2020, Eric and his team opened the PAPA Gold award winning, Eric’s pizza.
Eric will continue to oversee the full operation of the business and will be supported by his long-standing management team with lots of ideas and plans for ways to further innovate and develop.
What got you into hotels?
I grew up in the hotel from the age of 8, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to go into the hotel trade when I was younger but as I grew up around 16-18. I started to find a real passion for it and particularly the kitchen.
What do you enjoy most about your industry?
The constant challenges that it brings, every day brings something different and also the people you meet, the guests as well as the team that grows and develops over time
When did you open Titchwell Manor?
My family have owned the hotel from 1988 and I have been running it since 2010
Biggest achievement to date?
Achieving and maintaining the 3 AA Rosettes was a big point for me as a chef, I’m self-taught almost entirely at Titchwell Manor so being awarded this award was huge for us.
As a hotel I think it’s just being successful enough each year to keep improving as a hotel in standards and infrastructure.
What advice would you give to an aspiring hotelier?
Make sure you understand how much commitment and time it will take from you and employ the right people. You can’t do it on your own and having the right people around you make it possible to be a success and to enjoy the journey with them.
Where’s been your favourite place to stay in the UK?
Coworth Park. It's an amazing hotel which delivers 5-star experience in a friendly welcoming way. A very inspiring place.
What are you most proud of?
What we deliver as a whole and the team that I have around me, we have many staff that have stayed with us for a long time and it makes me proud to be a good employer.
Who’s your biggest influence?
It was probably my Mum in the earlier years, but now it is probably my family, Lydia my wife and 3 girls. They support me and I want to drive the business forward for them.
What’s the key to your success?
I think it’s about being honest and consistent with staff to create a team that really care about the business. As well as being self-critical of the business each year, to look at how we can improve.
What does the future hold for Titchwell Manor?
We have lots of plans as always! We’re currently trying to secure some land to develop our kitchen garden, we are refurbishing rooms and looking at plans for some more unique accommodation. As well as putting together plans for two new restaurant styles. Generally, we want to be the best we can be and will continue to improve and invest.
