Emese Patko Appointed Head Chef at River Cottage HQ, East Devon
A fresh and exciting chapter unfolds at River Cottage as acclaimed chef Emese Patko steps into the role of Head Chef at River Cottage HQ. Her appointment marks a confident continuation of River Cottage’s pioneering approach to seasonal, ethical and produce-led cooking—an ethos that has defined the brand for over two decades.
Emese takes the helm following the departure of Chiara Tomasoni and will now oversee all culinary operations across the River Cottage estate. This includes the all-day River Cottage Kitchen restaurant, immersive dining events, weddings, private and corporate occasions, and the highly regarded ICSA-accredited cookery school, which forms a cornerstone of River Cottage’s educational offering.
Having spent nearly a year working within the River Cottage kitchens, Emese now formally assumes leadership, bringing with her a distinctive culinary style shaped by vibrant seasonal ingredients, bold flavours and thoughtful use of colour and texture.
From Central Europe to East Devon
Originally from Hungary, Emese brings over 20 years of professional experience to the role. Her career began in central Europe, with formative years spent cooking in Austria and Germany, before relocating to the UK more than 13 years ago. Here, she built an impressive reputation for produce-led cooking across a range of respected kitchens.
Emese spent eight and a half years with the Home Grown Hotels group, working across multiple roles and properties including Lime Wood in the New Forest and Bath. She later played a key role in opening The Pig at Combe, where she went on to spend six years as Head Pastry Chef. In 2024, she also appeared on The Great British Bake Off: The Professionals, introducing her refined yet expressive style to a national audience.
Speaking about her new role, Emese said:
“I’m so excited to be stepping into the role of Head Chef at River Cottage. Cooking with seasonal, home-grown and foraged ingredients, and sharing food that brings people together, is what I love most. I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on.”
Founder Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall added:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Emese is now taking the lead across all our menus at River Cottage. She’s an amazing talent who conjures irresistible plates of big, generous flavours from the incredible produce that surrounds us here in East Devon. I’m loving working with her and I’m very excited about what’s ahead.”
Learning, Cooking and Inspiring Change
Based at Park Farm in East Devon for over 20 years, River Cottage operates as a working farm guided by its SLOW philosophy—seasonal, local, organic and wild. Since the television series first aired in 1999, River Cottage has championed the belief that good food can lead to happier, healthier lives and meaningful change. Today, that philosophy is captured in its motto: Food to Inspire Change.
River Cottage HQ is home to an ICSA-accredited cookery school, offering a year-round programme of courses and experiences. From classic cookery and baking to specialist subjects such as fermentation, gut health, foraging and gardening, the school is recognised for its exceptional teaching standards, facilities and commitment to sustainability.
As Head Chef, Emese will continue to shape menus that reflect River Cottage’s values—celebrating vegetables, whole foods and responsibly sourced produce—while supporting the next generation of cooks through its accredited educational programmes.
Her appointment signals an exciting evolution for River Cottage: grounded in its roots, guided by seasonality, and led with creativity, integrity and connection.
BUY A GOURMET EXPERIENCE VOUCHER FOR A CLASS WITH EMESE AT RIVER COTTAGE HERE
Find out more about River Cottage and cookery classes direct HERE
