Meet Michelin-starred Morston Hall head chef Tom Swaby

Since last September Tom Swaby, 34, has been head chef at Morston Hall, the north Norfolk mecca for fine dining which has just been awarded a Michelin star for the 24th year in a row. 

Mr Swaby said he was thrilled the venue - owned by celebrity chef Galton Blackiston - had retained its coveted title. 

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Morston Hall in the north Norfolk countryside (Image: Supplied)

He said: “It’s always immensely rewarding to be part of a successful team, but securing a Michelin star really highlights the strengths and long-standing values at Morston Hall. 

“I’m excited to be working so closely with Galton and the rest of the team, and look forward to building further on the restaurant’s many successes.”

Mr Swaby is a former head chef at Inverlochy Castle Hotel, a luxury retreat near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. 

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He has also worked as sous chef Roux at Parliament Square, which was a favourite of the Westminster elite before it closed in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Mr Swaby was also named the Craft Guild of Chefs’ National Chef of the Year for 2022.

Morston Hall gained its first Michelin star in 1999, followed years later by a second Norfolk venue - the Neptune in Hunstanton.

Over the past two years, Meadowsweet in Holt and Store in Stoke Holy Cross have joined the exclusive club, bringing the county’s total to four. 

Suffolk only has one - Pea Porridge in Bury St Edmunds, as does Cambridgeshire - Midsummer House in Cambridge. 

Mr Blackiston said: “This year, we’re particularly delighted by the success as it’s our first since Tom joined us as head chef.

"Having Tom’s talent, experience and flair added to the mix creates the perfect recipe for Morston Hall to go from strength to strength in the future.”