Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes offers a deeply personal and immersive dining experience at the heart of the Swinton Estate in North Yorkshire. Set within the estate’s Cookery School, this exclusive experience invites guests to sit at the pass itself – where the boundary between kitchen and dining room disappears – and witness the artistry of modern British cuisine unfold in real time.
Chef Josh Barnes, with over a decade of experience in some of the UK’s most esteemed Michelin-starred kitchens, crafts seasonal tasting menus that celebrate the best produce from the estate’s 20,000 acres. From garden-grown vegetables to estate-reared meats and locally foraged ingredients, each dish reflects a profound connection to the land and a commitment to sustainability and seasonality.
The evening begins with a warm welcome and a seasonal aperitif, followed by an eight-course tasting menu served at the Chef’s Table. Diners are encouraged to interact with the chef and kitchen team throughout the evening – asking questions, hearing the stories behind each course, and gaining insight into the techniques and inspirations that shape the menu. Every dish is paired with a carefully selected wine or non-alcoholic option, thoughtfully curated by the estate’s sommelier to enhance the experience.
For a more condensed version of the journey, a five-course lunch is offered on Saturdays, delivering the same attention to detail and ingredient-led approach in a more relaxed format.
The space itself is as memorable as the food. Located in a converted stable, the dining room is bright and open, with exposed beams and a vaulted ceiling creating an atmosphere that is rustic yet refined. The warmth of the setting complements the intimacy of the dining style – elegant but unpretentious, sophisticated yet grounded in its surroundings.
Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes has earned its place in the MICHELIN Guide for its innovative, estate-led cooking. Dishes often incorporate surprising touches – such as locally foraged mushrooms enriching a dark chocolate mousse – reflecting the chef’s flair for blending classical technique with creative expression.
Chef’s Table by Josh Barnes is more than a meal – it’s a journey through flavour, landscape, and craft. Every detail, from the ingredients to the setting, is carefully considered to offer guests a unique and memorable expression of modern British fine dining.