John Walton began his career in hospitality at an early age. After leaving school in 1999, he joined Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant as a Commis Chef. The experience gave him the desire to pursue a career in hospitality, enrolling in a Modern Apprenticeship course at Cornwall College in Camborne while joining Rick’s team full time,
In February 2002 John left Cornwall to work as a Commis Chef for Gordon Ramsay Holdings, working with Marcus Wareing at Petrus on St James’ Street, which later relocated to The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. Within three years, John was promoted to Senior Chef de Partie.
It was at Petrus that John first met Paul Ainsworth, who was Petrus’s Senior Sous Chef. Three years later, following a successful career in London, John left Petrus and joined Paul in Cornwall, where Paul was setting up a new restaurant. The pair reunited and their No6 journey began. John and Paul’s working relationship has spanned over 20 years.
Recognised for his culinary skill, in 2009 John was awarded Southwest Chef of the Year and became Head Chef of the newly renamed Paul Ainsworth at No6 the same year.
Since then, John has been a key player in the restaurant’s success. In 2012, John was the Head Chef of No6, and Paul was Chef Patron, when the restaurant earned its Michelin Star in 2012.
In January 2022, John was promoted to become Group Culinary Director of The Ainsworth Collection. Working alongside Paul and chefs at all The Ainsworth Collection restaurants, he plays a key role in maintaining the group’s high standard of cuisine. John is also responsible for dish development and leading the group’s external hospitality activities.
A proud Padstownian, John lives in the town with his partner Verity and their two children, Macy and Everly.
