Stephane Delourme spent his childhood between Brittany and Paris and developed a love for cooking at a young age inspired by his uncle’s travels around the world, returning with new dishes and stories from his adventures.
Against his father’s wishes, Stephane started an apprenticeship at the age of 16 at two Michelin starred Sully D’ Auteuil, before moving on to Le Vieux Berlin which specialised in game. His keen interest to learn a new language led him to England in 1989 where he worked in London’s Roof Restaurant at the Hilton on Park Lane. Stephane was also instrumental in the opening of some of London’s most distinguished restaurants, working alongside leading chefs of the time including Michael Croft at Mirabelle and Martin Webb at Quaglino’s.
In 1994, Stephane returned to France where he worked at Michelin-starred restaurant Prunier in Paris for two years. His career has taken him around the globe on the world’s most famous cruise liner, the QE2, as well as to Dublin where he worked with Patrick Guilbaud in his self-named two Michelin-starred restaurant.
After years of travelling around the world, Stephane and his wife made the decision to move to Cornwall to settle down. After just 6 months working with Rick Stein, Stephane was promoted to head chef at The Seafood Restaurant where he remained for over 21 years. In late 2019, Stephane took up the role of Group Chef for Rick Stein Restaurants.
His passion for cooking is matched by a love of the fresh Cornish produce that is available to him, as well as the great local suppliers.
Stephane is a keen marathon runner and ran seven in one summer in 2014 to raise money for local charities. When not in the kitchen he can be found relaxing in Padstow with his partner, three daughters and his dog.
