Sheps Chef Nation's Best

Rob Taylor, head chef at The Compasses, Crundale has been voted the nation’s best gastropub chef.

Rob, who is co-licensee of the pub with wife Donna, won the accolade at the prestigious Estrella Damm Gastropub Awards 2017.

Judges said of Rob:

“There is a quiet confidence about Taylor’s cooking, despite the fact he runs the kitchen alone. You will find no bells or indeed whistles attached to any of his dishes, they are simple and delicious.”

The Compasses also made the list of the UK’s best 25 gastropubs along with fellow Shepherd Neame establishments the King’s Head in Wye and The Sportsman in Seasalter. 

The list celebrates the top 50 gastropubs, with the Kentish trio all in the top 25 and the Sportsman in second place. The competition is decided by votes from a wealth of industry experts including top chefs and food writers and was won by the Michelin-starred Sportsman for the last two years.