Norfolk


<p><a href="https://thebrisleybell.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Brisley Bell</a> is no stranger to awards having scooped Great British Pub of the Year in 2021 and recently named one of the <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/top-gastropubs-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 50 Gastropubs</a> in the UK. Their secret weapon? A shy but skilled head chef who grants Muddy his first ever interview! Michelin-trained Hervé has worked at pubs and restaurants in France and Bermuda, but is happiest in this lovely village pub on the edge of a conservation area. Take it away, Hervé.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell1.jpg" alt="Herve Stouvenel, head chef at The Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40089" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-first-job-in-the-kitchen">Your first job in the kitchen?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My first position was 30 years ago in France as an apprentice. It was the job that shaped me as the chef I am today.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Career highlight?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My current job as head chef and partner at The Brisley Bell. I&#8217;ve had the opportunity to design my own kitchen and be involved in the business planning prior to opening.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Your biggest influence?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>My mother &#8211; she cooked wonders from humble ingredients. She wasn’t a professional, but she understands food and comes from a farming community.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell4.jpg" alt="Chef serving Crispy Belly Pork at the Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40092" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell4.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell4-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sum up your cooking style/ food philosophy?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I would have to say honest, simple and rustic &#8211; such as the crispy belly pork that we serve at the pub.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Most memorable moment at work?</h3>



<p>There are a few… Covering starters, mains and desserts all at the same time when Covid was at its worst and we were two chefs down. And when I had to cook dinner for 70 with no gas. I actually quite enjoyed that, it was a real test of skill &#8211; and we pulled it off!&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ever cooked for anyone famous?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Many, when I worked in Bermuda – I was out there for a few years. We’ve also had a few well-known people come and eat at the pub. Rather than reveal any names, I’m keener to know if they had a great experience… and various celebrities have been back, so I guess they did.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell6.jpg" alt="Strawberry dessert plated up in the kitchen at The Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40094" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell6-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Your biggest mistake at work?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Ordering 12 crates of raspberries instead of 12 punnets!&nbsp;The challenge was devising recipes to ensure no wastage for what we couldn’t return.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">You’re tired, starving and impatient: what do you cook for dinner?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Without a doubt, a mushroom omelette. It&#8217;s simple, tasty, nutritious and fast.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell5.jpg" alt="Herve Stouvenel, head chef at The Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40093" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell5-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What would you cook to impress a date?</h3>



<p>I wouldn’t. We’d go out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite chef?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Whoever is working hardest in our kitchen! </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite cookbook?&nbsp;</h3>



<p><em>Ma Cuisine</em> by Auguste Escoffier – it’s inspirational.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell2.jpg" alt="Beetroot and onion tart at the Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40090" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite type of cuisine?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Anything, so long as it’s seasonal and regional.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite kitchen gadget?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I don’t like being without my food blender and a sieve.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite local café? Restaurant? Hotel?&nbsp;</h3>



<p><a href="https://duckinn.co.uk">The Duck Inn</a>, Stanhoe &#8211; because I can relate to their food. It’s a real shame Ben and Sarah have decided to move on, though understandable after 10 years and in this financial climate.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Your three favourite local markets and suppliers?&nbsp;</h3>



<p><a href="https://walsingham.co/our-farm-shops/walsingham/">Walsingham Farm Shop</a>, <a href="https://swanningtonfarmtofork.co.uk">Swannington Farm to Fork</a> and <a href="http://www.lakenhamcreamery.co.uk">Lakenham Creamery</a>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite things to eat when you’re on holiday?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>BBQ and fresh seafood. It’s relaxed and simple.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell9.jpg" alt="Lemon meringue at the Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40097" width="640" height="426" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell9.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell9-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What mistake do inexperienced cooks tend to make?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Overcomplicating a dish with too many ingredients and flavours. My advice: keep it simple.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Favourite ingredient and why?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The simple egg. It’s versatile and can showcase your skills.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Most overrated dish/ingredient?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Miniature vegetables and micro herbs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell7.jpg" alt="Table laid at the Brisley Bell in Norfolk" class="wp-image-40095" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell7-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/03/Brisley-Bell7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The dish you are most proud of creating?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>I suppose it’s the dishes that are really popular because then I know I’m doing my job&nbsp;well. At the Brisley, these are calf&#8217;s liver and crispy belly pork.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tell us your best ever cooking tip?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Don&#8217;t worry about cooking &#8211; and come to The Brisley Bell! You learn a lot from just tasting food.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Three dishes every home cook should master?&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Risotto, omelette and fish pie. They’re hearty, timeless dishes.</p>



<p><em><strong>You can try Hervé’s cooking at</strong> <strong><a href="https://thebrisleybell.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Brisley Bell</a>, Brisley, nr Dereham</strong></em></p>


What’s Cooking? With Hervé Stouvenel, The Brisley Bell

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