Grove’s Executive Chef Douglas Balish Wins Hotel Chef of the Year at the 2025 Hotel Cateys
We’re delighted to share the exciting news that our Executive Chef, Douglas Balish, has been named Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) at the Hotel Cateys 2025, held in London on 24 November.
Widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in UK hospitality, the Hotel Cateys celebrate outstanding talent, creativity and dedication across the industry. For Douglas to win this prestigious award places him among Britain’s most accomplished chefs and further strengthens Grove’s reputation for exceptional dining.
This year’s shortlist featured an impressive line-up of chefs from across the UK, including The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery Collection, The Fife Arms in Braemar, The Goring in London and Lainston House in Winchester. To be recognised among such esteemed company is a testament to Douglas’s skill, vision and leadership.
Since joining Grove of Narberth, Douglas has shaped a food experience that feels deeply connected to Pembrokeshire. His cooking draws on the rhythms of the seasons, our own kitchen gardens and the network of farmers, growers and fishermen whose produce inspires each menu. Defined by clarity, craft and a deep respect for provenance, Douglas’s dishes bring together bold flavour and thoughtful technique in a way that feels distinctly of this place.
Reflecting on the award, Douglas said:
“It’s a real honour to receive this Catey award. I’m incredibly proud of our team at Grove of Narberth and this is very much a shared achievement. Representing Welsh produce on a national stage means a great deal to us, and we’ll continue to champion the ingredients and people who make this corner of Wales so special.”
General Manager Karen de Koning added:
“Douglas leads with such passion and generosity. His approach to cooking and mentoring brings out the very best in our kitchen and across the hotel. We’re thrilled to see him recognised at this level, and we look forward to continuing to build on the momentum this award brings.”
Douglas’s success adds to a proud run of accolades for Grove in recent years, including Front of House Team of the Year at the 2021 Hotel Cateys and Independent Hotel of the Year at the 2022 Cateys.
As ever, Grove of Narberth remains committed to offering warm hospitality, exceptional food and an experience shaped by the rhythms and stories of Wales. Douglas’s achievement is a wonderful moment for our whole team and a reflection of the collective spirit that guides everything we do.
