Collaborating with Core by Clare Smyth 2024 — A Shared Commitment to Natural Luxury

There is something quietly profound about working with a partner who understands the language of raw, natural materials. For me, collaborating with Core by Chef Clare Smyth—and working closely with Head Chef Johnny Bone—has been just that.

At Core, every dish reflects a deeply held commitment to natural, sustainable food: dishes crafted exclusively from top-tier British produce and imbued with both emotion and nostalgia. As Clare herself describes it, “My style of cuisine is very much centred on using the best of British produce, but also trying to evoke emotion and nostalgia in the diners” corebyclaresmyth.com.

I find a striking parallel in our approach: I source materials that come directly from the earth—wood, steam, copper nails—crafted slowly and thoughtfully into sculptural trugs that are both functional and filled with emotional depth. Core’s ethos of “doing the ordinary extraordinarily well” is something I deeply respect and share.

To be chosen as a trusted collaborator is an honour. It’s a shared celebration of simply raw materials—provided by the earth—and transformed into delicate, layered, and meaningful things. Together, we elevate the humble into the heartfelt, creating experiences that are both sensorial and soul-infused.

Images include a gift of bread and a signed book from Chef Clare Smyth, and the #coreteam, the bread was delicious, and I will treasure the book, it’s an absolute work of art.