De Vere Wokefield Estate appoints new Executive Chef

De Vere Wokefield Estate has announced the appointment of a new Executive Chef, Richard Yearnshire who will be responsible for corporate catering as well as restaurant dining at the Reading hotel.

Richard brings with him a wealth of experience having worked at Executive Chef level for over 18 years at a number of four and five-star hotels.  Richard excels in trendsetting and menu enhancements and is used to working at a fine dining level having gained experience at two and three rosette level catering during his career. 

Recognised as a results-focused and extremely driven Executive Chef, Richard was headhunted for his previous roles at St David’s Hotel & Spa, a luxury five-star hotel in Cardiff before being brought in to build a new team at the Hand-Picked Hotels, L’horizon Hotel & Spa in Jersey.  Richard was then headhunted by Mercure Ardoe House Hotel & Spa in Aberdeen to assist with the launch of its new restaurant.   

For the past two years, Richard has been Regional Executive Chef at the Almarose Hotels’ Forest Pines Hotel & Golf Resort “Formerly Q Hotels” where he supported multiple Hotels across multiple sites and outlets as well as being responsible for the events and conference centres catering for over 1500 covers across multiple sites.  

In his new role as Executive Chef for De Vere Wokefield Estate, Richard will be working alongside the De Vere group’s nutritionist, Wendy Martinson OBE to develop delicious yet nutritious menus which showcase the very best, fresh, seasonal produce. These will be available at the hotel restaurant, The View as well as within the hotel’s corporate catering offer.  

In his new position, Richard said: “I’m delighted to be joining the De Vere Wokefield Estate team and look forward to showcasing my skills and knowledge. I have a real passion for creating great food and I look forward to introducing some memorable dishes for guests to enjoy.”