New head chef at Bishop's Dining Room aiming for Rosettes

Barry Wood, 37, joined the team at Bishop's Dining Room in St Andrews Hill at the end of August this year and he has already made a big impression.

He started his career as a kitchen porter at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Boundary Road, now the Mercure Hotel, when he left school.

The lobster ravioli starter from Bishop's Dining Room (Image: Newsquest)

After three months, he was offered a chef job there and his career has continued to rise.

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He went on to work as sous chef under Marcin 'Magic' Pomierny at the WinePress Restaurant in The Maids Head Hotel, which was awarded two AA Rosettes.

He was also a chef de partie at Benedicts and, most recently, the head chef at Prime.

Mr Wood said: "Local company Bread Hospitality said that Bishop's Dining Room owner Alessandro Tranquillo was looking for a head chef.

Beef fillet tartare and local fresh oysters from Bishop's Dining Room (Image: Newsquest)

"The opportunity blew my mind as he wanted me to make the menus my own and Alessandro himself was a massive factor in taking the role. 

"I am now aiming for two AA Rosettes as a minimum."

Restaurants with 2 AA Rosettes are "excellent" dining spots that achieve consistency and precision.

Swannington farm beef fillet and seared stone bass from Bishop's Dining Room (Image: Newsquest)

Working alongside Mr Wood, who has a classic French cooking style, is sous chef David Kurucz and commis chef Shaun Cressey. 

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Among the main dishes on the new menu include Swannington Farm beef fillet or seared stone bass, with vegetarian and vegan options too. 

Dark chocolate and hazelnut mille-feuille from Bishop's Dining Room (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Wood said: "Bishop's has a lot of regulars and they seem very happy with the new menu.

Barry Wood is the new head chef at Bishop's Dining Room in Norwich (Image: Em Stern)

"I love cooking fish and barbecuing meats and next year we are going to be looking at some Asian influences." 

The food can be paired with a fantastic selection of wines from Mr Tranquillo, who is very knowledgeable. 

Bishop's Dining Room is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 12noon to 2pm and 5.30pm to 9pm and for Sunday lunch from 12noon to 4pm - call 01603 767321 to book a table.