Will Stanyer

In contrast to his chosen career, Will Stanyer, Head chef at Graze, started off his journey on the opposite side of the kitchen pass working as restaurant supervisor in one of Brighton’s most historic Hotels. Intrigued by the food he was serving and an ever growing passion for fine food, he eventually realised he was on the wrong side of the pass, and so began his career in cooking.

He was schooled in the art of Classic French cooking techniques and quickly worked his way through the ranks as a chef with the Hotel du Vin group, building foundations that would see him working in some of Brighton’s best restaurants, eventually taking the helm at Graze restaurant in the Summer of 2011.

Will has managed to establish a great working relationship with local suppliers and producers enabling him to root out only the most seasonal and quality ingredients.  He uses these to produce dishes using classic flavour combinations, upon which he puts his own modern interpretation to create inspired and exciting dishes. Youthful and inspired by the current climate of British cuisine, together with the influence of his half Spanish heritage he has devised a modern British menu that holds more than just a little surprise here and there.

Above all, his ambition, passion, personality and endless striving to delight the diner is evident in all the dishes he creates and he never forgets what it was like to be on the other side of the pass, a useful lesson that he learn right at the start of his journey.