Luxury boutique hotel and holder of ONE Michelin Key, Grove of Narberth, has announced that Executive Chef Douglas Balish has been named Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) at the Hotel Cateys 2025 awards ceremony, held in London.
The Hotel Cateys are among the UK hospitality industry’s most respected awards, recognising exceptional talent, creativity and dedication across hotels nationwide. Douglas’s achievement places him among Britain’s leading chefs.
He received the accolade from a distinguished shortlist that included chefs from The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool, including MGallery Collection, The Fife Arms in Braemar, The Goring in London, and Lainston House in Winchester.
Since joining Grove of Narberth, Douglas has shaped a food experience deeply rooted in Pembrokeshire’s landscapes at both of the hotel restaurants, The Fernery and Artisan Rooms, drawing on the seasons, the estate’s kitchen gardens, and a trusted network of growers, farmers and fishermen. His cooking, defined by clarity, craft and a profound respect for provenance, brings together bold flavour and thoughtful technique – contributions that have supported the hotel in achieving four AA Rosettes at The Fernery.
Executive Chef Douglas Balish said:
“It’s a real honour to receive this Hotel Catey award. I’m incredibly proud of our team at Grove of Narberth and this is very much a shared achievement. Representing Welsh produce on a national stage means a great deal to us, and we’ll continue to champion the ingredients and people who make this corner of Wales so special.”
General Manager Karen de Koning added:
“Douglas leads with such passion and generosity. His approach to cooking and mentoring brings out the very best in our kitchen and across the hotel. We’re thrilled to see him recognised at this level and look forward to continuing to build on the momentum this award brings.”
The recognition builds on a strong run of success for Grove of Narberth this year. The hotel has received numerous accolades, including retaining its prestigious MICHELIN Key, further affirming its reputation for exceptional quality and warmth. It was also recently placed in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, achieving an impressive score of 96.93.
