Michelin-starred chef Stephen Smith joins Bohemia as head chef

The Bohemia restaurant in Jersey has appointed Michelin-starred chef Stephen Smith as head chef following the departure of Shaun Rankin.

Smith joins the Michelin-starred restaurant from the Burlington at the Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel in Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire, where he worked for more than four years. His appointment follows the departure of former Great British Menu star Rankin, who has left the Bohemia after nine years at its helm to launch a new venture under his SR brand.

Known for his innovative and skilful modern cooking, which he describes as ingredient and flavour driven, Smith has held a Michelin star for the past decade at establishments including Holbeck Ghyll in Cumbria and Seaham Hall in County Durham. He joined the Burlington in 2008 following the departure of Michael Wignall and continued his run of accolades, regaining the restaurant's star in 2009 and winning four AA rosettes in 2010.

Commenting on Smith's appointment, Lawrence Huggler, owner of Bohemia and the Club Hotel & Spa, said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming Stephen to Jersey and Bohemia and embracing his constantly evolving menus. We are very excited about this new chapter for Bohemia."

Smith added: "I am really excited about immersing myself in the fantastic local produce Jersey has to offer as well as bringing my own personal style and menu design to Bohemia and Jersey."

Housed in the Club Hotel & Spa in the heart of St Helier the 60-seat Bohemia first launched in 2004, winning its Michelin star in 2005 as well as four AA rosettes.

Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin to leave Bohemia >>