New top chef appointed at luxury North Yorkshire estate

Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire has appointed Steve Darou as Executive Head Chef, effective June 8, following his tenure as Group Head Chef at St. John in London. The estate notes his ingredient-led philosophy, seasonality, and nose-to-tail approach will reinforce its estate-to-plate ethos, linking land, garden, and kitchen. Darou will oversee the broader culinary team and work to deepen the county-wide understanding of provenance, aiming to reduce waste. The transition coincides with Josh Barnes’ departure from the Chef’s Table on July 5, a period in which the venue earned 3 AA Rosettes and Michelin recognition. General Manager Ramune Aleks described the appointment as a milestone for Swinton’s culinary evolution.