Hello!
It’s time I introduced you to Stu: The culinary mastermind behind The Swine That Dines.
As some of you may know, Stu’s path to becoming a chef wasn’t exactly straightforward. In fact, it involved a bold decision that initially left me, Jo (the other half of our dynamic duo) a bit worried.
Picture this: young Stu, enrolled in university, seemingly on the path to a traditional career. Then, one day, he announces he’s dropping out to pursue his true passion: cooking. Now, I will be the first to admit that I wasn’t entirely thrilled with this news and wondered if someone who would ditch uni for the kitchen was truly committed to building a future together.

But Stu had a plan. He invited me over for a home-cooked meal, showcasing his culinary skills and passion for food. That night, over a plate of deliciousness, my doubts melted away. I saw the dedication in his eyes, tasted the flavour in his dishes, and I knew immediately that he was meant to be in the kitchen and cooking for me for the rest of my life.
Fast forward to today, and Stu’s culinary journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s honed his skills, developed a unique culinary style, and earned the well-deserved title of “Chef of the Week” in the Yorkshire Evening Post (you can read the full article here).
But there’s another side to Stu you might not know about. Recently, we had an unexpected opportunity to film a cooking video, showcasing one of Stu’s signature dishes: sea trout with cockles. We were expecting a simple photo shoot but it turned into a full-blown cooking show! Neither I nor Stu were quite prepared, and let’s just say Stu isn’t the most comfortable out front of the restaurant, let alone in front of the camera. But despite a few nervous laughs and some good-natured coaching and hosting from me, Stu rose to the occasion, sharing his culinary expertise and passion with the world.
You can watch the video here.

Stu is sometimes carrying ladders and painting shutters
Stu’s journey is a testament to the power of following your dreams and letting your passion guide you. We’re so proud of everything he’s accomplished, and we’re grateful to have him leading the kitchen at The Swine That Dines.
Here’s to sunny days, and even sunnier food!
Jo & The Swine That Dines Family
