AN ISLE of Wight head chef has reached the final of the Great British Pub Awards in his quest to be named Best Pub Chef 2022.

Sean Jeffers, head chef of The Red Lion in Freshwater, has made it through to the final six as he battles it out with chefs from London, Somerset, Suffolk and Cumbria.

The Freshwater chef’s passion for cooking came from a school food technology lesson, and he knew from there that he wanted to pursue a career in this field.

His favourite thing about being a chef and The Red Lion is that the pub has its own vegetable and herb garden, which is like a chef’s playground. 

With a record number of entrants for 2022, the Great British Pub Awards whittled down its line-up of incredible chefs, leaving Sean as the final chef in the south still left in the national competition.

Sean said: “I am privileged to be shortlisted for such an award alongside the wonderful team at The Red Lion.

“It is great to have my work recognised and have so much support from everyone at the pub and all the customers who thoroughly enjoy the food.

“The Great British Pub Awards is such a big event for the pub industry, and it is an achievement in itself being nominated within these prestigious awards.”

The Great British Pub Awards are taking place on Tuesday, October 4, at the Escape to Freight Island in Manchester.