The Rise of a Culinary Star
Adam Handling MBE, one of the UK’s most in-demand chefs, has come a long way since his apprenticeship at Gleneagles 16 years ago. With numerous accolades under his belt, including Scottish Chef of the Year and British Culinary Federation’s Chef of the Year, Handling has established himself as a force in the culinary world.
The Frog and Beyond
While The Frog in Covent Garden remains Handling’s flagship restaurant, his latest venture, The Loch & the Tyne (L&T) in Old Windsor, offers a unique dining experience in the countryside. Absolutely sat down with the acclaimed chef to explore his journey and culinary philosophy.
Early Beginnings and Inspirations
Discovering a Passion for Cooking
Handling’s love for cooking wasn’t innate but developed through hands-on experience. He recalls, “When I was a kid, food wasn’t about enjoyment or experiences; it was about sustenance.” His time at Gleneagles, under the mentorship of the late chef Andrew Fairlie, ignited his passion for the culinary arts.
Global Influences and Sustainability
Travels around the world, particularly to Japan, shaped Handling’s culinary perspective. He embraced the Japanese philosophy of using ingredients in their entirety, which laid the foundation for his sustainable dining approach.
The London Chapter
Handling’s move to London was driven by a desire to experiment with flavors reflecting the city’s multicultural essence. He explains, “Frog focuses on British food inspired by the capital. The team forages locally together, and we make sure to use every part of our ingredients.”
The Birth of Frog
Launching Frog was a realization of Handling’s dream to elevate British cuisine on the global stage. He aimed to offer “relaxed, sustainable, fun fine dining” in an inclusive environment.
The Loch & The Tyne: A Sustainable Vision
Why Old Windsor?
Handling was drawn to Old Windsor for its perfect countryside retreat setting and excellent local produce. He says, “It’s the perfect countryside retreat, just an hour from London with Windsor Castle and beautiful attractions right on our doorstep.”
Sustainability at the Core
The Loch & The Tyne represents Handling’s most sustainable site yet. “We want it to be as close to zero waste as possible,” he states. The pub offers elevated pub grub with accessible luxury dishes, aiming to become a local favorite and a destination for food enthusiasts.
Current Culinary Favorites
Handling’s current menu highlights include:
- Chalk Stream Trout at The Loch & The Tyne
- Roast rump of lamb at Tartan Fox in Cornwall
- The surprisingly popular deep-fried Mars bar
Accolades and Future Aspirations
Receiving an MBE stands out as the proudest moment in Handling’s career. He reflects, “My goal has always been to show what British food is all about, in a sustainable and luxurious way, and I hope I can continue to make the UK proud.”
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