Joe began his career in hospitality at 16, going straight into the industry after leaving school. He joined the team at Paul Ainsworth at No6 in 2014, working across all sections of the kitchen before becoming Senior Chef de Partie in 2016. When Paul and Emma Ainsworth took over the iconic Rock pub, The Mariners, in 2019, they recognised Joe’s talent and appointed him Head Chef.
Now, six years later, Joe, in his new role as Chef Director, oversees the kitchen operations at the much-loved pub. He played a key role in The Mariners being named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2020 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs Awards, debuting at number 23. Under his leadership, the pub has consistently climbed the rankings, reaching number 3 in 2024, and most recently placing 5th in 2025.
Joe serves up British classics with creative flair and highlights include The Dog’s Pollock, a crispy pollock ‘hotdog’ with pickled cucumber, triple mustard, dill and parmesan, and the Cornish Shepherd’s Pie with a slow-cooked lamb shoulder and seaweed ragú, celeriac and basil and mint salsa verde. His accomplished cooking has been recognised in the industry, notably in 2020 when he was presented with an Acorn Award which highlights the brightest prospects in the restaurant world.
