Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.mark_-1000x667.jpg" alt="chef mark stinchcombe" class="wp-image-75711" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.mark_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.mark_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.mark_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/2.mark_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When it comes to show-stopping plates that marry serious skills with sustainability, few chefs in Worcs do it better than Mark Stinchcombe, resident culinary genius at Eckington Manor.</p>



<p>With a CV that includes Michelin-starred kitchens &#8211; and winning <em>MasterChef: The Professionals</em> in 2015 &#8211; he’s now back in Worcs channelling that pedigree into creating food that’s as rooted in the county&#8217;s fields and farms as it is worthy of the world stage.</p>



<p>With foodie festival <strong><a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/taste-worcestershire">Taste Worcestershire</a></strong> taking over from 6 &#8211; 27 October (roomy waistbands at the ready), it&#8217;s just one of Worcs&#8217; extraordinary eateries featuring special menus, hands-on classes and special offers in October.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chops_-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75717" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chops_-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chops_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chops_-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chops_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get your foodie passport &#8211; a <strong><a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/taste-worcestershire">Golden Ticket</a></strong> which is FREE to download &#8211; from Visit Worcestershire to access it all. And because every great feast needs a gourmet guide, over to you, Mark…</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-and-when-did-it-all-start-for-you">Where and when did it all start for you?</h2>



<p>I began working in kitchens at 16 years of age and never left.&nbsp; I have worked all over the world; Bath, Cornwall, Cheltenham, London, Sydney and now, Eckington. I won <em>MasterChef: The Professionals</em> in 2015, it was an amazing experience to be a part of, especially&nbsp;working among so many talented chefs. I was actually very shocked to win – I was so happy to be in the final, so winning was something else.</p>



<p>I worked at Eckington for four years from 2015 to 2019 but left with my wide Sue &#8211; also a chef here &#8211; to explore new ventures. But earlier this year we Sue made a decision to return as we were just full of exciting and fresh ideas on how to make it the go-to destination in Worcestershire for amazing dining.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-eckington-manor-different"><strong>What makes Eckington Manor different?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="677" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.eck_-1000x677.jpg" alt="woman dining at Eckington Manor " class="wp-image-75724" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.eck_-1000x677.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.eck_-800x541.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.eck_-400x271.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.eck_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We have a strong pasture to plate ethos.&nbsp; Our founder, Judy Gardner, has worked in the food industry for over 40 years and founded it in 2004. She restored the farm and its buildings into luxury accommodation, an award-winning cookery school (it has an entry in the Michelin Guide) and restaurant with a big focus on seasonal and home-grown produce. </p>



<p>Eckington has so much to offer, it&#8217;s a great place for a meal, a private event, a course at the cookery school or as a beautiful country wedding venue.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-makes-you-want-to-stay-in-worcs"><strong>What makes you want to stay in Worcs?</strong></h2>



<p>My wife, kids and I feel so lucky to call the beautiful village of Eckington our home. We love the friendly local community, the amazing countryside and Worcestershire’s central location.&nbsp;Being able to teach in our on-site cookery school is a huge benefit. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-your-favourite-dish-of-all-time"><strong>What is your favourite dish of all time?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.apples.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>That&#8217;s so hard to answer as it&#8217;s always changing, but I love cooking fish. We have always featured a soufflé on the menu too, I adapt the recipe to suit the seasons. </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-restaurant-in-the-world">Favourite restaurant in the world?</h2>



<p>Sue and I were fortunate enough to dine at Per Se in New York for our honeymoon.&nbsp;&nbsp;The amazing hospitality, flavours and scenery were all just perfect.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="767" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chad_-1000x767.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chad_-1000x767.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chad_-800x613.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chad_-400x307.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/1.chad_.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Per Se / Instagram</figcaption></figure>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-or-what-inspires-you"><strong>Who or what inspires you?</strong></h2>



<p>My motivation is to see a busy restaurant with guests enjoying themselves, whilst we showcase all of our work. There are so many people who have inspired me throughout my career – from the Head Chefs I have worked for, to industry legends, they have all given me something to aspire to.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-keep-up-with-food-trends"><strong>How do you keep up with food trends?</strong></h2>



<p>We look at Instagram and TikTok to discover the latest trends, we also visit local food festivals and markets.&nbsp; One of our favourite books is <a href="https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/eleven-madison-park-the-plant-based-chapter">Eleven Madison Park: The Cookbook.</a></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-do-you-come-up-with-new-dishes"><strong>How do you come up with new dishes?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-800x1000.jpg" alt="Mark Stinchcombe cutting veg" class="wp-image-75562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3754-1-2-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></figure>



<p>We constantly research ingredients to reflect the seasons and try to use the available produce, the best ideas usually come to me at 1.00 or 2.00am in the morning! I always try and jot them down to remember the next day.</p>



<p>We try to use local suppliers and growers wherever possible, such as asparagus from the local Revill&#8217;s Farm Shop.&nbsp; We also harvest and use our own garden produce wherever possible.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-taste-worcestershire-treats-can-people-enjoy"><strong>What Taste Worcestershire treats can people enjoy?</strong></h2>



<p>We are doing a delicious Afternoon Tea at Eckington Manor, priced at £20 per person, served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons, from 2.00pm-4.00pm.&nbsp;It will be a blend of countryside charm and culinary elegance! </p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-secret-skills-you-d-like-to-share"><strong>Any secret skills you&#8217;d like to share? </strong></h2>



<p>I am a big coffee fan, so I have undergone quite a bit of barista training! Safe to say I can whip up an absolutely excellent flat white or espresso.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-best-and-worst-parts-of-your-job"><strong>The best (and worst!) parts of your job? </strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-75563" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2025/09/92A3894-1-2-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The ability to be constantly creative and always learning new skills gets me out of bed every morning. But the constant aching feet and legs, as you get older is something I could do without!</p>



<p><strong><em>For more information and to download your Golden Ticket head to <a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/taste-worcestershire">Taste Worcestershire</a>. To book Afternoon Tea or a stay head to <a href="https://www.eckingtonmanor.co.uk">Eckington Manor.</a></em></strong></p>



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<p><strong>Want more? Try these</strong></p>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/gbbos-candice-brown-worcestershire/">Muddy meets; GBBO&#8217;s Candice Brown</a></li>



<li><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/people-life-2/muddy-meets-bbc-saturday-kitchens-chef-presenter-matt-tebbutt/">Muddy meets: Saturday Kitchen&#8217;s Matt Tebbutt</a></li>



<li><a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/the-grape-escape-muddy-meets-astley-vineyards-bev-haywood/">Muddy meets: Astley Vineyard&#8217;s Bev Haywood</a></li>
</ul>



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Muddy meets: Mark Stinchcombe, head chef at Eckington Manor

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