Behind our kitchen doors: Meet Laurèns, our in-house Pastry Chef

At Walwick Hall, each and every member of our team plays a special role in making our offering the very best that it can be. This month, we shine the spotlight on our in-house pastry chef, Laurèns Le Gal, to give you an inside look into the talent behind our delicious homemade pastries and desserts…

If you’ve joined us for an Afternoon Tea, you may have been lucky enough to sample some of Laurèns’ wonderful homemade sweet treats. France-born Laurèns has excellent creative flair and real raw talent; his family are all also in the industry and have their own highly successful business in France – so it’s in his genes! You’ll spot Laurèns from a mile off because he always has a smile on his face (perhaps from all the sugar??)

Whilst busy working away in the kitchen, we asked Laurèns a few questions to find out a little more about him and his role at Walwick Hall…

Hi, Laurens! How long have you been at Walwick Hall and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?
I’ve been with Walwick Hall since it first opened back in 2016. I’m responsible for creating all Afternoon Teas, as well as all the desserts, pastries, biscuits and breads we serve. I make everything onsite in the kitchen at Walwick Hall, so we’re always serving our guests the very freshest – and, of course, most delicious – sweet and savoury treats.

What can we look forward to from your Afternoon Teas this week?
This week, I’m serving fresh Pistachio and White Chocolate macarons with all Afternoon Teas. The flavour is unique and delicate with a lovely crispy shell and a creamy sweet filling – just how a macaron should be!

What’s your favourite dish from our current menus?
It might sound strange but I don’t actually have much of a sweet tooth! My favourite dish on the menu right now is the Roast Haunch of Venison – it’s so rich and wonderfully indulgent. Saying that, I still can’t resist a creme brûlée for dessert afterwards…

What do you get up to when you’re not in the kitchen?
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family in France when I can, and venturing out to explore the beautiful Northumbrian countryside.

“The kitchen is such a  happy place with Laurèns there! Our pastry section always looks and smells absolutely wonderful – there’s nothing better walking in and smelling freshly-baked pastries! He has the loveliest character and superb talent. I am truly wowed every day!” – Rachel Harrison, owner of Walwick Hall.