If you’ve ever been to a wedding at The Great Barn Devon, you’ll know that food is a huge part of the celebration. It’s the moment everyone gathers, shares, laughs, and pauses long enough to soak in just how special the day really is. And behind every plate (or sharing board!) is our brilliant Head Chef, Mike – the person quietly shaping one of the most memorable moments of your weekend. We sat down with him for a Q&A to talk about his journey, what makes The Great Barn food so distinctive, and why our feasting-style menus are fast becoming one of the things couples love most about getting married her
Tell us a little about your background and what led you to The Great Barn.
I have a background in butchery; having worked for several artisan butchers in Ireland, Australia and the UK supplying high end caterers meant I have always worked closely with chefs and caterers. After working for a high-end butcher in Devon, I decided to take the leap into the catering Industry, which led me to the multi-award winning wedding caterers at Dartmoor Kitchen and from there taking on the Head Chef role here at The Great Barn.
What makes the food at The Great Barn stand out?
Our sharing feasts are a standout feature of our menu. They are a very sociable form of dining; rather than guests sitting behind their own individual plates, everyone has to get involved which gives the wedding feast a real feeling of being a part of the celebration. Another standout feature is our “artisanal” approach to food. We make as much as possible ourselves in our own kitchen: terrines, sausages, fresh pizza dough and some cured meats… anything else is sourced from local suppliers. All our meat is sourced from Dartmoor and the surrounding areas.
What are the benefits of on-site catering?
The wedding planning and catering are happening in collaboration with each other at every step which makes for a much more cohesive experience on the wedding day.
What’s the most popular dish on your menu currently?
Our Low and Slow Lamb (Sticky Shoulder of Devon Lamb, Charred Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Mint Sauce, Red Wine Jus) and our Double Beef (Devon Dry Aged Beef Rump, Braised Beef Shin, Thyme Roasted Tomatoes, Horseradish Cream, Red Wine Jus) sharing feasts are hugely popular and both look fantastic when they come to the table. Lots of “WOWS!” and photos being taken for Instagram… Real showstoppers!
Any tips for couples planning their own wedding menu?
Try not to get too bogged down in worrying about your food choices. Choose what you really like to eat. It is, after all, your day! Also, if there is something in particular you have in mind please don’t hesitate to ask, we may well be able to accommodate.
A Feast to Remember
A good meal can anchor a day, and that’s certainly true here. Our team, led by Head Chef Mike, put a huge amount of care into everything that leaves the kitchen, and it’s wonderful to know how often that care stays with our couples long after the weekend is over.
If you’d like to see our venue in person, discuss menu ideas or start to plan your own wedding here, we’d love to welcome you for a viewing. Book a private viewing here.
Browse our sample menus here.
