Award-winning Northumberland chef retires after 50-year career

Ellingham Hall are saying their goodbyes to their executive head chef, John Blackmore.

Over the span of his career, John has been on a remarkable culinary journey, achieving multiple prestigious awards.

His career began at the Carlton Hotel in Bournemouth, where he won an award from college for ‘Outstanding Student’ and received the accolade at the Savoy in London.

In his next role at The Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane in London, John also achieved 'Chef of the Year' competing against 52 hotels in the world before taking his craft overseas to Switzerland, Germany, and France to gain further experience.

Returning to Northumberland, John took a role as head chef at Linden Hall where he met his wife, Penny. He brought his wealth of experience back home, and together they opened their own restaurants.

First was Blackmores in Alnwick, where they won ‘Restaurant of the Year’ for Northumberland, and then The Tankerville Arms in Eglingham.

Later, his pivotal role in the Magpie Room contributed to Newcastle United Football Club becoming the first Premier League team featured in the Good Food Guide.

One of his proudest moments at the club was when he cooked for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

John later took over The Plough at Alnwick, before taking roles at the Jolly Fisherman and Doxford Barns and resuming his final position in 2021 with Ellingham Hall.

Despite all his achievements, the Ellingham Hall team said it is John as a person they will miss the most.

They said: "His kindness, humility, and unwavering support for his team have shaped so many careers and touched so many lives. He’s been a mentor, a leader, and a friend – someone who always put others first and has led by example every single day.

"John, it has been an absolute privilege to work alongside you. Your legacy lives on in every person you’ve guided, every standard you’ve set, and every kitchen you’ve made better just by being in it.

"From all of us at Ellingham Hall – thank you. We wish you the happiest, most well-deserved retirement.”