Chef Douglas Balish took home the title at the prestigious Cateys Awards for his work down in Narberth’s Grove
Executive Chef Douglas Balish leads the food offering of luxury boutique hotel, Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire
A Welsh hotel chef has taken home the title of Hotel Chef of the Year at the Hotel Cateys 2025. The Hotel Cateys are among the UK hospitality industry’s most respected awards, recognising exceptional talent, creativity and dedication across hotels nationwide and the Welsh-based chef took the title in the Hotel Chef of the Year (fewer than 250 covers) category.
Executive Chef Douglas Balish leads the food offering of luxury boutique hotel, Grove of Narberth in Pembrokeshire, which this year retained its prestigious MICHELIN Key and achieved a standout score in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Since joining Grove of Narberth back in 2019, Douglas has shaped a food experience connected to the Pembrokeshire landscape and uses seasonal, local produce from both the kitchen garden at the estate and a trusted network of growers, farmers and fishermen. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here.
This is evident on the plate at both of the hotel restaurants, The Fernery and Artisan Rooms, with the former receiving four AA Rosettes. Douglas said: “It’s a real honour to receive this Hotel 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.”
Douglas’ award is hard won with the chef’s effort to make the Grove’s food offering a but above(Image: Phil Boorman)
He received the accolade from a distinguished shortlist that included chefs from The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool, including MGallery Collection, The Fife Arms in Braemar, The Goring in London, and Lainston House in Winchester.
Set within enchanting Pembrokeshire woodlands, Grove of Narberth is celebrated for its warm hospitality, elegant interiors, and culinary excellence – an experience shaped by the rhythms and stories of Wales.
A venison dish
General Manager of Grove of Narberth, Karen de Koning shared why the executive chef brings the dinning experience to another level at the renowned hotel: “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 look forward to continuing to build on the momentum this award brings.