A restaurant that has just been awarded a coveted Michelin star has a Norfolk-born head chef. 

Charlie Wilson, 30, grew up in Thorpe St Andrew and started working at The Cottage pub in the town aged 17.

He has worked at several Norfolk restaurants and spent three-and-a-half years at The Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross under chef patron Daniel Smith.

While at the fine dining hotspot, Mr Wilson was named 'Chef of the Year' at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2018.

Charlie Wilson, left, was named Chef of the Year at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2018 - pictured with the finalistsCharlie Wilson, left, was named Chef of the Year at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards 2018 - pictured with the finalists (Image: Denise Bradley)

His next job was as chef de partie and then junior sous at Gareth Ward's two Michelin-starred Ynyshir Restaurant in Wales.

Mr Wilson's latest role is the culmination of more than a decade of hard work and dedication to his craft.

READ MORE: Bar and restaurant opening at city hotel following major refurb

He relocated to Thailand for the opening of Aulis Phuket in December 2023.

It is owned by award-winning chef Simon Rogan MBE, with Oli Marlow as executive chef and Mr Wilson as head chef. 

Aulis Phuket is Simon Rogan MBE's first restaurant in ThailandAulis Phuket is Simon Rogan MBE's first restaurant in Thailand (Image: Aulis Phuket)

Mr Rogan opened his debut restaurant L’Enclume in the Lake District village of Cartmel in 2002 and it now boasts three Michelin stars.

His new Aulis restaurant in Phuket, with others in Cartmel, London and Hong Kong, features a 15-seater chef's table.

It is situated within the grounds of the luxury Iniala Beach House hotel.

Norfolk-born Charlie Wilson is the head chef at Aulis PhuketNorfolk-born Charlie Wilson is the head chef at Aulis Phuket (Image: Aulis Phuket)

It has just been awarded a coveted Michelin Star - less than a year after opening.

Mr Wilson said: "When you are there for the opening of a restaurant, you know there will be long and hard days but it has been great to be part of it. 

READ MORE: West End play based on hit sitcom heading to Norwich

A tasting menu is served at Aulis PhuketA tasting menu is served at Aulis Phuket (Image: Aulis Phuket)

"To earn a Michelin star is incredible and a dream come true - the whole team are very chuffed, especially so early on.

"We work with lovely ingredients and have brought Simon's farm-to-table ethos from the Lake District over here.

"Being among Thai people is also amazing."