Bearslake Inn, a much-loved 13th century thatched inn nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, is proud to announce that local chef Tom Browning-Young is now officially at the helm as Head Chef, bringing his talent, experience, and local knowledge back to where it all began.
Tom joined Bearslake Inn in October 2025, and after taking the time to settle into the kitchen, build his team, and reconnect with the rhythms of the local seasons, he is now firmly established in the role and shaping the next chapter of Bearslake’s food offering.
The appointment marks a homecoming for Tom, who is well-known across the county’s hospitality scene. A true Devon boy through and through, Tom has built an impressive career in some of the region’s most respected kitchens — including his role as Head Chef at Lewtrenchard Manor, where he earned a reputation for confident, produce-led menus and beautifully executed modern British cooking.
More recently, Tom took the opportunity to broaden his culinary experience by spending a year “over the border” working alongside acclaimed chef Paul Ainsworth, sharpening his skills and bringing back fresh inspiration.
Now, he has returned to Devon — and to Dartmoor — to lead the Bearslake Inn kitchen with a clear focus: seasonal food, proper pub classics, and Devon produce done brilliantly. With Bearslake’s location surrounded by farms, moorland suppliers, and some of the best artisan producers in the county, Tom’s return feels like the perfect match. He already knows the area, the suppliers, and — as many guests are already discovering — he knows most of the locals too.
Lisa Jenkins, Director of Bearslake Inn, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Tom taking the helm at Bearslake. He joined us in October and we wanted to give him the space to properly settle in, get to know the team, and really make the kitchen his own. Tom has come home to Devon, and it genuinely feels like the perfect fit — he knows the area, he knows the suppliers, and he understands exactly what our guests want when they come to Bearslake. The feedback has been fantastic and we’re so excited for what’s to come.”
Tom Browning-Young added: “Bearslake is a special place — it’s got character, history, and an atmosphere you just can’t fake. After working in some brilliant kitchens, it feels great to be back home in Devon, cooking with the ingredients I love, working with local suppliers I know and trust, and creating food that people genuinely want to eat. Bearslake is all about comfort, warmth, and quality — and that’s exactly the kind of cooking I love.”
Bearslake Inn is a destination for walkers, food lovers, locals, and visitors seeking a relaxed Dartmoor escape. With six letting rooms, roaring fires, and a reputation for warm hospitality, it remains one of the area’s most distinctive places to eat, drink and stay.
Under Tom’s leadership, guests can expect a refreshed and evolving menu celebrating the best of Devon — from comforting pub favourites to seasonal specials and signature roasts that make Bearslake a firm favourite year-round. You can book a table through their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
(Image credits: Bearslake Inn.)
