Tommy Banks
Oldstead
United Kingdom
Overview
Tommy Banks is a remarkable British Michelin Star head chef. Born on June 3, 1989, in Oldstead, North Yorkshire, England, he has made significant contributions to the culinary world.
Tommy Banks hails from a farming family with roots in Oldstead, North Yorkshire. The Banks family has been farming in the area for five generations.
Initially, Tommy’s ambitions lay in professional cricket. However, life took an unexpected turn when he developed ulcerative colitis at the age of 18. This health challenge led him to explore the world of cooking and ignited his passion for food.
The Black Swan at Oldstead:
In 2006, Tommy’s parents purchased The Black Swan, a pub and restaurant in Oldstead. Tommy became actively involved in running the business.
Despite having no formal culinary training, he worked tirelessly, learning to cook and immersing himself in the kitchen.
When the restaurant won its first Michelin Star in 2012, Tommy was part of the team. However, it was in 2013, at the age of 24, that he took over as head chef after Adam Jackson left to start his own venture.
Remarkably, Tommy Banks became the youngest chef to receive a Michelin Star when The Black Swan retained its star that year.
The Kitchen Garden:
The Banks family developed a three-acre kitchen garden next to the restaurant. This garden allowed them to grow unique ingredients that couldn’t be procured elsewhere.
Tommy’s commitment to using local produce led to the inclusion of items like Crapaudine beetroot, Black Truffe potatoes, and Wineberries on the menu.
In 2018, Tommy Banks published his debut cookbook, Roots, which celebrates seasonal ingredients and his culinary philosophy.
He expanded his culinary empire by opening a second restaurant, Roots, in the center of York. The tasting menu format showcases produce grown on the farm and transported to the city daily.
Beyond the Kitchen:
Tommy Banks is not only a chef but also an innovator. He owns the premium food box business Made In Oldstead and even ventured into canned wine.
His passion for cricket remains, and he continues to inspire both in the kitchen and beyond.
Tommy Banks exemplifies creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. His culinary journey continues to captivate food enthusiasts worldwide.
Learn More
SOCIAL MEDIA
Tommy Banks hails from a farming family with roots in Oldstead, North Yorkshire. The Banks family has been farming in the area for five generations.
Initially, Tommy’s ambitions lay in professional cricket. However, life took an unexpected turn when he developed ulcerative colitis at the age of 18. This health challenge led him to explore the world of cooking and ignited his passion for food.
The Black Swan at Oldstead:
In 2006, Tommy’s parents purchased The Black Swan, a pub and restaurant in Oldstead. Tommy became actively involved in running the business.
Despite having no formal culinary training, he worked tirelessly, learning to cook and immersing himself in the kitchen.
When the restaurant won its first Michelin Star in 2012, Tommy was part of the team. However, it was in 2013, at the age of 24, that he took over as head chef after Adam Jackson left to start his own venture.
Remarkably, Tommy Banks became the youngest chef to receive a Michelin Star when The Black Swan retained its star that year.
The Kitchen Garden:
The Banks family developed a three-acre kitchen garden next to the restaurant. This garden allowed them to grow unique ingredients that couldn’t be procured elsewhere.
Tommy’s commitment to using local produce led to the inclusion of items like Crapaudine beetroot, Black Truffe potatoes, and Wineberries on the menu.
In 2018, Tommy Banks published his debut cookbook, Roots, which celebrates seasonal ingredients and his culinary philosophy.
He expanded his culinary empire by opening a second restaurant, Roots, in the center of York. The tasting menu format showcases produce grown on the farm and transported to the city daily.
Beyond the Kitchen:
Tommy Banks is not only a chef but also an innovator. He owns the premium food box business Made In Oldstead and even ventured into canned wine.
His passion for cricket remains, and he continues to inspire both in the kitchen and beyond.
Tommy Banks exemplifies creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. His culinary journey continues to captivate food enthusiasts worldwide.
Curated by the World Culinary Awards
Curating the world's finest experiences, providing discerning travellers with a passport to excellence, where quality, authenticity, and cultural richness reign supreme.