The Ethicurean Journey
The Past
In 2008, Ethicurean founder Matthew left a cherished job managing a delicatessen, which gave him more food inspiration than anyone should ever have the fortune to taste. He saw a growing artisan native food scene and wanted to support this movement by branching out and building his own business from the roots up.
He started at farmers' markets, cooking and producing genuine, wholesome food from the *very ingredients sold at the markets—a closed-loop approach. With the help of family, his brother Iain, and friends Jack and Paûla, they popped up all over southwest England with their wares.
In 2010, an opportunity arose to take on a restaurant space in the most idyllic garden you've ever seen. The team started a restaurant from a deep passion for sustainability, local produce, and culinary excellence. It was a place where we gathered around food and celebrated, connecting diners to the land and its bounty.
For more than ten years, The Ethicurean was not just a restaurant but a centre for education and community. We organised workshops, discussions, nature walks, traditional celebrations, and events that expressed our dedication to local, sustainable food.
Seven years ago, Nicola joined us on this journey.
Her talents as a guest liaison, crafter of exquisite decorations, skilled cook, drinks architect, and a keen eye for ambience embodied the spirit of The Ethicurean. Born and raised on a farm, understanding the reality of native food production in a close-knit village community gave her quite the head start in appreciating ‘Ethicurean Life’.
Our great friend and Chef Mark McCabe, whose passion for environment-led cuisine and fine dining is second to none, joined us as Head Chef in 2019. Together, we explored the art of foraging, fermentation, and regenerative agriculture, turning The Ethicurean into a beacon of ethical eating and sustainable living.
At its peak, the restaurant held accolades, such as The Observer's Best Ethical Restaurant, a Green Michelin Star for sustainability, and its highest achievement, Three AA Rosettes.
Throughout its finest years, the Ethicurean project received immense support and mentoring from a local family, the Nobles. Ian, Emma, Molly, and Alf were instrumental in shaping our values. Ian, in particular, was a mentor whose passing left a profound impact. Their approach to family life, wholesomeness, and the importance of gathering around the family table is ingrained in our ethos to this day.
We were incredibly fortunate to have thirteen extraordinary years at the site in Barley Wood before closing our restaurant doors in October 2023.
We will always be deeply grateful to the team we nurtured and the guests who supported us. Their treasured camaraderie played a pivotal role in realising our vision.
Mark is now with The Simon Rogan restaurant group and head chef at Henrock Hotel, cooking with the integrity and skill he's been known for. Matthew’s brother Iain, has hung up the apron and has developed his photography career to become a leading freelance film colourist.
Both are legends; support them if you can.
We thank Iain & Mark immensely for all their years of support for The Ethicurean.
The Present
Today, Nicola and Matthew are proud to introduce Ethicurean Life—a new platform designed to reconnect you with food, nature, and community. Through our private community, in-person classes, exclusive events, and monthly online classes, we provide the tools and knowledge to help you:
- Reconnect with Nature: Discover the joys of foraging, the principles of regenerative agriculture, and the benefits of living sustainably.
- Transform Your Relationship with Food: Learn to cook with seasonal, local ingredients, embrace fermentation and preservation, and understand the actual value of what you eat.
- Join a Supportive Community: Engage with like-minded individuals who share your values and passions. Share your journey, gain insights, and find inspiration in a community dedicated to ethical and sustainable living.
The Challenge
In today's fast-paced world, many people feel disconnected from their food sources, nature, and community. This disconnection impacts well-being, health, and the environment. Recognising these challenges, we knew there was more we could do.
Our journey has equipped us with deep knowledge and experience in sustainable food and living. At The Ethicurean Restaurant we were always at the forefront of culinary innovation. Ethicurean Life now brings this expertise directly to you, helping you navigate the complexities of modern food culture and environmental stewardship.
The Future
As we move forward, Ethicurean Life is committed to fostering a vibrant, supportive community that values sustainability, creativity, and education. We aim to inspire a deeper understanding of food and its impact on our world and guide you towards an enriching and responsible lifestyle.
No matter your skill level, Ethicurean Life welcomes everyone.
Our community is inclusive, where beginners and seasoned experts can learn and grow together. As founders, we are excited to continue learning from our supporters and each other, sharing knowledge and experiences that enrich us all.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you're a seasoned forager, a curious cook, or someone seeking a closer connection to nature, Ethicurean Life offers a path to enhance your life through meaningful, sustainable practices.
