​Episode 22 - How Simon Bonwick Defied the Odds and Won a Michelin Star

In the latest episode of  The Ceres Podcast, Stelios invites Simon Bonwick, the maverick chef and owner of The Crown at Burchetts Green, for an unforgettable conversation. Known for its Michelin star and cult following, The Crown is more than a restaurant—it’s a testament to resilience, artistry, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This episode delves deep into Simon’s extraordinary journey, blending heartfelt anecdotes with the wisdom that resonates with food industry professionals, small business owners, and dreamers alike.

Simon’s story is a whirlwind of highs and lows, each chapter offering a lesson in grit and reinvention. Early in the episode, Simon reveals the defining moments of his career, from losing two pubs—learning the hard way about the perils of entrepreneurship—to paying back every penny without resorting to bankruptcy. These trials, far from breaking him, honed his determination to succeed on his terms. When Simon stumbled upon The Crown, he saw more than a boarded-up pub in an isolated village—he saw potential. “The Crown winked at me,” he says, a nod to his belief in fate and magnetism.

The podcast paints Simon as eccentric and profound, a chef who believes in cooking as an act of transcendence. He describes his kitchen as a sanctuary where every dish reflects his craft and personality. “I’m cooking, but I’m not cooking,” he says, channelling the spirit of jazz legend Miles Davis to articulate how he achieves a near-meditative state while preparing food. His son Dean, initially a saviour of the family business, worked alongside Simon to refine The Crown’s offerings, proving that family and food can be a winning combination.

One of the podcast’s most surprising revelations is that Simon is the sole chef in his kitchen. While many would call this unsustainable, Simon thrives on the challenge, crafting precise, luxurious, yet domestic-inspired plates that have earned him critical acclaim. He credits much of his success to the mysterious allure of the Michelin Guide, which he reveres as the pinnacle of culinary recognition. “Achieving a Michelin star sent us into the stratosphere,” Simon says. Indeed, the accolade tripled The Crown’s business, cementing its place as a destination restaurant.

The conversation also touches on Simon’s unique upbringing, where family dinners in wartime air raid shelters laid the foundation for his culinary philosophy. His path wasn’t straightforward—dropping out of school at 14, navigating the gruelling demands of high-end kitchens, and even serving as a private chef where the whims of his employers tested his patience and discipline. Yet, each experience added a layer to the chef he is today: resilient, resourceful, and endlessly creative.

Listeners are treated to a mix of humour and depth, from Simon’s reflections on building a family business to his musings on the role of pubs in modern Britain. His candour and charm make this episode a standout, whether you’re in the food industry or simply looking for an inspiring tale of perseverance.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transform a sleepy village pub into one of the UK’s finest gastro-destinations, this episode is for you. Simon’s journey is a masterclass in dedication, and his story will leave you both hungry for a visit to The Crown and eager to chase your dreams.

Don’t miss out—tune in to  The Ceres Podcast now to hear Simon’s story in his own words. Subscribe to stay updated on more insightful conversations with industry trailblazers.