Meet our head chef

Meet our Head Chef Paddy Summerell-Youde,

When Paddy came to us in 2022 as a freelance chef, his exceptional talent quickly stood out. We knew immediately he was quite the “catch” so we hooked him in with a permanent role in our kitchen, where he swiftly earned his Head Chef title.

Hailing from the seaside town of Clevedon, Somerset, Paddy's passion for food was evident from a young age. Whether it was his school-stage reenactment of Blue Peter's “Here’s What I Made Earlier” or his competitive streak in school cook-offs, which ultimately saw him become a finalist in the regional Future Chef competition, it was clear he was destined for a future in cooking.

Paddy’s culinary career began at the age of 16 when he completed his cookery apprenticeship. With a natural passion for food and an eagerness to learn, he expanded his skills internationally, traveling around the world and learning cuisines from different cultures.

Upon returning to the UK, Paddy brought with him a wealth of experience, where he was then able to refine his expertise in popular eateries such as Muray’s Italian and The White Horse.

His desire to continually grow led him to four years of freelancing, specializing in event catering with his first choice being at big-name festivals. Little did we know that, when he came to us fully, we would have to put the Glastonbury week off, in his contract.

When he’s not busy crafting delicious dishes for our guests, Paddy is an adventurous soul who loves to explore the world. He spends much of his free time traveling, often accompanied by his partner, Amy, and their playful spaniel, Nala. A true outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys climbing, camping, biking, and foraging, and when he’s scaling a rock face or searching for wild ingredients, Paddy embraces every opportunity to connect with nature and bring fresh inspiration to his cooking.

Today, Paddy continues to bring his creativity, drive, and dedication to the kitchen. His extensive background and commitment have made him an essential part of our beloved restaurant. Inspiring his team daily and delighting our guests with his innovative approach, sense of humor, and passion for high-quality seafood is apparent in every creation.

So from our team and customers alike, we feel incredibly lucky to have him as the head chef and part of our Spiny family!