Majors Lane

Exclusively trained in the Hunter Valley and having attained the status of Level 7 Qualified Chef, Ben's
career started at the early age of 14.

In fact, Ben made history when he qualified as a chef at the age of 17. He was the youngest chef in
NSW, having gained permission from his school Principal and the State Government to commence his
apprenticeship earlier than normal.

Ben's unceasing dedication to providing a welcoming and memorable dining experience is second to
none. His commitment to sourcing fine, fresh Hunter Valley produce and his support of local suppliers
is renowned.

Aside from his duties as Executive Chef at our Restaurant, hosting our Cooking School and
overseeing our Smokehouse operations Ben is a regular Guest Chef at Newcastle Kitchen & Cutlery's
Cooking Classes and speaks regularly at events about all things "food" including the Symposium of
Gastronomy along with Joanna Savill and Rosemary Stanton (pirctured above).

In November 2009 Ben (along with Janelle Bloom from Ready Steady Cook) had the privilege of
entertaining and educating the crowds of participants in the Cancer Council's Relay For Life event,
where they went head-to-head in a Ready Steady Cook style cook off to help promote awareness of
the important part diet plays in preventing cancer.