Our Team

A diverse team collaborates in a cozy farmhouse kitchen, preparing meals and sharing ideas in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster renowned for his commitment to sustainable, ethical food and environmental causes. Through his River Cottage TV series and books, Hugh has built a loyal following, inspiring impactful campaigns like Hugh’s Fish Fight, War on Waste, Britain’s Fat Fight, and War on Plastic.

Hugh’s journey started with Channel 4’s River Cottage series, leading to the award-winning River Cottage Cookbook. Since then, he’s published thirteen books, including River Cottage Meat Book, River Cottage Veg Every Day, River Cottage Good Comfort and Much More Veg.

In 2004, Hugh founded River Cottage HQ, now located at Park Farm in Devon. It serves as a vibrant hub for Courses, Dining Experiences, Weddings, Private Events, and the renowned River Cottage Cookery School.

Hugh has earned a BAFTA and multiple awards, with campaign-driven shows like Fish Fight influencing EU fisheries law. He’s also an active journalist, Vice President of Fauna and Flora International, and a patron of Switchback, supporting young offenders in the catering industry. Want to meet Hugh in person and learn from him directly?

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a multi-award-winning writer and broadcaster renowned for his commitment to sustainable, ethical food and environmental causes. Through his River Cottage TV series and books, Hugh has built a loyal following, inspiring impactful campaigns like Hugh’s Fish Fight, War on Waste, Britain’s Fat Fight, and War on Plastic.

Hugh’s journey started with Channel 4’s River Cottage series, leading to the award-winning River Cottage Cookbook. Since then, he’s published thirteen books, including River Cottage Meat Book, River Cottage Veg Every Day, River Cottage Good Comfort and Much More Veg.

In 2004, Hugh founded River Cottage HQ, now located at Park Farm in Devon. It serves as a vibrant hub for Courses, Dining Experiences, Weddings, Private Events, and the renowned River Cottage Cookery School.

Hugh has earned a BAFTA and multiple awards, with campaign-driven shows like Fish Fight influencing EU fisheries law. He’s also an active journalist, Vice President of Fauna and Flora International, and a patron of Switchback, supporting young offenders in the catering industry. Want to meet Hugh in person and learn from him directly?

Stewart Dodd
Chief Executive

  • An architect by profession, Stewart was an early advocate for sustainable design, lecturing globally on low-impact, ecological practices. He designed the site at Park Farm in 2005 and has played a key role in the evolution of River Cottage into the world-renowned cookery school and culinary business it is today. A shareholder since 2006 and a board member since 2015, Stewart became Chief Executive in 2018. His passion for food and hospitality, shaped by global travel, has been central to River Cottage's ethos.
A man wearing an apron smiles while holding a bowl of food.
Luther Batten
Chef De Partie

  • Luther grew up on an organic dairy farm in East Devon, where he developed a passion for seasonal, local, and sustainable food. He began his culinary journey at 15 as an apprentice chef in Honiton, learning to appreciate foraging, fishing, and nature’s offerings. In 2023, Luther joined River Cottage as Chef de Partie, focusing on the ethics and values he shares with the company. He embraces sustainable cooking, using locally sourced ingredients to create high-quality, ethical dishes.
A man wearing a green hat and jumper is harvesting fresh vegetables from a garden.
Connor Reed
Master Grower and Butchery Specialist

  • Here's a refined version with a couple of small adjustments for flow: Connor began cooking at 15 in a seafood restaurant before moving to the South West at 18 to join River Cottage, where he fell in love with the West Country and its produce. After roles at the Axminster Café and as Sous Chef at HQ, he became Head Chef, where he not only led the kitchen but also mentored many team members. His roles have always focused on organic, high-welfare produce and zero waste. Now, Connor oversees the kitchen garden and land, while also teaching our curing, smoking, and butchery courses. He continues to inspire guests to live sustainably and respect the food they eat.
Chiara Tomasoni
Head Chef

  • Born in Bologna, Italy, Chiara’s passion for sustainable, delicious food began early. After moving to England to study journalism, she delved into the ethics of farming and the food industry, eventually starting her own catering business. Now the Head Chef of the River Cottage kitchen team—and featured on MasterChef: The Professionals 2024—Chiara champions ethical cooking. Based in rural Devon, she’s also a surfer, forager, vegetable grower, and devoted chicken mum, weaving sustainability into every aspect of her life.
Gill Meller
Specialist Chef Tutor

  • Gill has been with River Cottage for over ten years, working closely with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and playing a key role in all activities. He frequently appears on the series, cooking alongside Hugh. Passionate about outdoor cooking, Gill now hosts our River Cottage on Fire courses and has contributed to many River Cottage cookbooks, including the River Cottage Handbook: Outdoor Cooking. His expertise and enthusiasm for cooking in nature bring a unique energy to everything he does, inspiring both guests and colleagues alike.
A man wearing a hat proudly holds up a vibrant green plant, showcasing his appreciation for nature.
John Wright
Specialist Foraging Tutor

  • Author of several River Cottage Handbooks, including Mushrooms, Edible Seashore, Hedgerow, and Booze, John is a familiar face from the series. He regularly gives lectures on natural history and leads forays, many at River Cottage HQ, teaching people how to collect wild food—plants from hedgerows and mushrooms from wood and pasture. With over thirty-five years of experience studying fungi, John’s passion for them drives his work, inspiring others to explore the world of foraging and discover the rich flavours nature has to offer.
Rachel de Thample
Specialist Chef Tutor

  • A journalist by trade, Rachel trained in the kitchens of Marco Pierre White, Heston Blumenthal, and Peter Gordon before moving into food writing and joining our cookery school. Specialising in fermentation, healthy preserves, and gut health, she’s authored The Fermentation Handbook, Less Meat, More Veg, and FIVE. A passionate supporter of local, organic food, Rachel became Head of Food at Abel & Cole and helped establish the award-winning Crystal Palace Food Market. She now teaches our fermentation, preserves, and gut health courses.
Andy Tyrrell
Specialist Chef Tutor

  • After training in London and working in top restaurants and gastropubs, Andy joined the River Cottage HQ team, eventually becoming Head Chef. He later co-founded Soulshine in Bridport. His passion for sensational sourdough has brought him back to teach our courses as our Specialist Chef Tutor. Andy’s expertise and love for baking have made him a valued part of the River Cottage family, where he shares his craft with others while continuing to explore the art of sourdough.
A man wearing a vibrant flower crown.
Bob Haines
Farm and Kitchen Support

  • Bob is one of River Cottage’s longest-standing team members, playing a key role in caring for the resident cats and assisting in the kitchen. Outside of work, he fully embraces the River Cottage lifestyle, often diving for scallops to enjoy. Bob’s dedication to the farm, its animals, and sustainable living makes him an integral part of the team, helping to create the authentic, hands-on experience that River Cottage is known for.
A man stands beside a beehive, observing the bees as they buzz around their home in a natural setting.
Steve Minshall
Specialist Beekeeping Tutor

  • Steve retired to Devon after many years in industry, seeking more time in nature while continuing his beekeeping hobby. His fascination with bees led to several apiaries, supplying honey to local businesses. He now cares for River Cottage's bees and teaches our beekeeping courses, demonstrating low-impact methods using our hive designs. In his spare time, Steve leads geology walks along Sidmouth’s Jurassic Coast, supporting the local museum.
A woman in a floral dress stands gracefully in front of a rustic stone wall.
Izzie Sayer
Events Front of House Manager

  • Izzie spent several years working in yachting across the Mediterranean and Caribbean, where she developed a passion for fresh, exceptional food. Her love for travel led her to Southeast Asia and Australia, deepening her appreciation for diverse cuisines. Now part of River Cottage, Izzie thrives in an environment where food quality is paramount. Outside of work, she enjoys coastal walks, scuba diving, beach time, and creating innovative seasonal cocktails for events. Izzie fully embraces the ethos of River Cottage.
A woman dressed in a green vest and jeans smiles.
Charlotte Bentley
Events Administrator

  • Charlotte is the friendly first voice of River Cottage, responding to calls, emails, and guest queries with a smile. She assists with bookings for the Kitchen & Store, courses, dining events, and accommodation, expertly managing the events admin lifecycle. Devon has been her home since 2024, where she lives her dream countryside life. When not helping guests, she’s out with her 4 lively labradors, swimming in open water, or clay shooting. Charlotte ensures every River Cottage experience is unforgettable!
A man smiles while standing in front of a sign that reads "Cookery School.
Sean Smith
Assistant Manager

  • Sean joined the River Cottage team in 2019 and now calls Axminster home. With over 20 years of high-level hospitality management experience, he traded the fast-paced city life for the fresh air and slower pace of farm life—and hasn’t looked back. Sean oversees the onsite accommodations in the Farmhouse and Gardener’s Cottage, ensuring every course at River Cottage HQ runs smoothly. You’ll often find him in the Cookery School, Barn, or outdoor cooking areas, supporting guests and creating unforgettable experiences.
A woman with red hair gently holds a chicken in her hands
Iris Welten
Café Manager

  • Our Cafe Manager, Iris, hails from Eindhoven, the "City of Lights" (home of Philips lightbulbs). It's a fitting origin for someone who brings so much light and joy to our guests and team. When she’s not looking after our chickens and customers, Iris tends to her own farm (well, kind of), with two rabbits and a snake. With aspirations to own a smallholding and food forest, Iris truly embodies the River Cottage way, making her the perfect addition to our team.
Lucy Edwards
Wedding & Private Events

  • Lucy has always loved everything about weddings—flowers, dresses, and stunning vistas. With over 10 years of experience working at venues across Dorset, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire, she’s thrilled to be part of the River Cottage team. Lucy’s passion for wedding planning continues to grow as she works with each couple, bringing their vision to life and creating memorable experiences. Her excitement for helping couples celebrate their special day shines through in every aspect of her work.
  • Email: weddings@rivercottage.net
A woman in a green dress stands gracefully in front of lush green bushes.
Jessica Church
Marketing Manager

  • Jessica spent years in the fast-paced agency world before joining River Cottage HQ to champion the seasonal, local, organic, and wild movement. Recognised as one of the BIMA 100 in 2023, she is among the UK's top 100 digital leaders. Jessica specialises in social media, video editing, website optimisation, and making digital marketing greener. Passionate about nature, she thrives on outdoor adventures—whether surfing or helping to clean up Devon’s beaches, working tirelessly to make them both beautiful and plastic-free.
Josie Pink
Head of Events

  • Josie joined the team in 2018 as a passionate foodie, eager to embrace the River Cottage ethos she admired through Hugh’s TV series. After gaining experience across various departments, she now leads the organisation of all our courses and dining events at HQ. Her deep understanding of the company’s values and her love for food ensure that every event and course is expertly curated, offering guests an authentic and inspiring River Cottage experience.
A man stands in a field, gently holding a pig in his arms.
Oliver Rowswell
River Cottage Farmer

  • Oliver Rowswell was born into a farming family at Hartgrove Farm, right next door to River Cottage, and hasn’t strayed far from his roots in Musbury. With a lifetime of hands-on experience on local farms, plus some time spent farming in New Zealand (because, why not?), Oliver now heads up the farming operation at River Cottage. His passion for all things farming shines through as he looks forward to raising chickens, cattle, sheep, and pigs on the land. Oliver’s down-to-earth knowledge and hands-on expertise bring a fresh, lively energy to the team—and he’s always got a smile along the way.

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Private Events at River Cottage

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Sustainability

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