The former head chef of a renowned restaurant in Suffolk has announced a pop-up at a pub, giving fans of his food a chance to sample his cuisine once more.
James Jay was head chef at Sur Mer at The Suffolk in Aldeburgh, a restaurant restored by George Pell in 2022 and which boasts entries into national newspapers as well as the Michelin and Good Food Guides.
Chef Jay announced his departure from the team in May 2023, stating in a post on social media that he is now available for 'freelance work and private dining and looking for opportunities for pop-ups/supper clubs or even more long-term residences' as part of his new chapter.
"For now, I'm enjoying the freedom and it's nice to be able to show people what I can do," said Chef Jay.
"There is a gap in the market for spaces to book pop-ups in Suffolk, and I'd like to explore that avenue more."
Fans of his food will be delighted that The Sorrel Horse in Shottisham has now announced that Chef Jay will be cooking in their kitchen from October 26 to 28.
The menu was teased on the chef's social media pages, and diners can expect to enjoy oysters, turbot and venison all sourced from the Suffolk countryside and waterways.
"I'm a real advocate for locally sourced food and supporting small producers, and these pop-ups are a chance for me to shout about the amazing produce that Suffolk has to offer.
"This menu is seasonal and uses produce that has been sustainably sourced - the quince, for example, was given to me by a friend from a tree in their garden.
"We can't hide from where our food comes from anymore, and I believe that if people understand where their food is sourced then we can make a positive and sustainable change."
Chef Jay will be cooking in the pizza barn at the Sorrel Horse Shottisham and the ingredients will all be passed through the wood-fired pizza oven.
He has known Rebecca Murland and Clement Sigaut, the owners of the Sorrel Horse, for a long time now, and he was approached by them to do the pop-up.
"It is a chance to do something fun and showcase some lovely seasonal produce," said Chef Jay.
"It's a small community that we work in and I feel lucky to have built a really good network."
The evening costs £75 per person and includes drinks on arrival and the meal.
Money will be raised from the event for Street Smart, a charity tackling hunger and homelessness.
The event is ticketed and can be booked via eventbrite.com.
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