06/02/2026
⭐ Chef of the Week: Chef Ben Wilkinson of The Pass, South Lodge
From washing pots as a teenager to leading one of the UK’s most respected chef’s table experiences, Ben Wilkinson’s journey through British fine dining has been built on discipline, curiosity, and an unwavering respect for ingredients.
Now at the helm of The Pass at South Lodge, Wilkinson brings together classical French foundations, modern techniques, and some of Sussex’s finest produce — creating a style of cooking that feels refined, seasonal, and unmistakably British.
In this week’s Chef’s Pencil interview, he talks about moving from Cumbria to Sussex, adapting to a completely different terroir, how Michelin-star pressure changes over time, and what ingredient might be the missing in your home cooking.
Read the full on Chef’s Pencil. Link in the comment section 👇