James Erasmus named head chef at the Feathered Nest

James Erasmus has been appointed head chef at the three-AA-rosette Feathered Nest pub with rooms in the Cotswolds.

 

He replaces Caribbean-born Renemar Pinedo, who had worked at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire before being promoted to head chef at the Feathered Nest in 2023. Pinedo has since returned to the Caribbean.

 

Erasmus grew up on a farm in South Africa and studied at the Institute of Culinary Arts before joining La Colombe in Cape Town.

 

He then went onto work at the three-Michelin-starred Ledbury in London’s Notting Hill, the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in London’s Fulham, and the Woodsman in Stratford upon Avon.

 

In 2018, he opened the Harlequin in Fulham with Toby Neil of Nest in London’s Hackney.

 

The Feathered Nest country inn is located in Nether Westcote and offers a British-inspired menu, with dishes including Bathurst Estate venison faggot with chantarelles, prunes and mustard; Somerset Saxon chicken terrine with quince and hazelnuts; and confit leg with fermented cabbage, parsnip and pickled pear.

 

The chef joins ahead of plans to launch new à la carte menu, all-day bar menu and evening tasting menu.

 

Erasmus said: “I have been lucky enough to have worked in some amazing venues which have matched my passion for cooking and allowed me to develop into the chef I am today. The Feathered Nest shares the same values and goals as me and I am delighted to take over in the kitchen as the head chef.”

 

Adam Taylor, owner of the Feathered Nest, added: “The cuisine at the Feathered Nest has always been central to our offering. James and I share the same passion for quality British produce and seasonality."

 

The Feathered Nest began as a malt house 350 years ago before being converted into a village pub with rooms.