Rick Stein promotes Stephane Delourme after 20 years as Seafood Restaurant head chef

Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is searching for a new head chef after Stephane Delourme, its head chef for 20 years, was promoted to the new role of group chef.

Delourme has been tasked with inspiring the next generation of chefs across Rick Stein's growing portfolio of 14 restaurants and bars, which stretches from Barnes in London to Porthleven in Cornwall.

He will work with in-house apprentices as well as students who are enrolled through the Rick Stein Academy with Truro and Penwith College.

Applications for the role of head chef of the flagship Seafood Restaurant, opened by Rick and Jill Stein in 1975, will close on 7 October.

Rick Stein said: "Steph is not just a head chef but he's also a huge inspiration to everyone who meets him professionally from fishermen, diners and, of course, fellow chefs. He will be spreading his wealth of knowledge across the group of restaurants and I'm proud to call him my friend."

Delourme added: "My time at the Seafood has been made possible and so enjoyable by working with such passionate people, starting with Jill and Rick. I couldn't have done it without the team around me and I have made life-long friends along the way in this wonderful place. Now, for my next move I am looking forward to giving something back, to pass on my knowledge and experience to both FOH and kitchen teams around the business; this is something I am very much looking forward to - guiding, supporting and training young members of the team. We have exciting times ahead."