Richard Bainbridge
Owner | Chef Patron
Richard, originally from Norwich has travelled and worked his way through some of the most amazing Restaurants and countries across the globe. He has worked for Michel Roux Senior at the 3 Michelin Starred Waterside Inn, for Günter Seeger (NY), Kevin Thornton (Dublin) and upon his return to Norfolk he was head chef at Galton Blackiston’s Morston Hall.
Richard opened Benedicts with his wife Katja in June 2015.
He is the beating heart and soul of Benedicts which since opening has been named in The Times Top 100 Restaurants in the UK, Square Meal Top 100 and EDP Norfolk’s Best Restaurant, alongside a rating of 6 in the Good Food Guide. Benedicts was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in January 2018.
In 2015 he won BBC 2’s Great British Menu and returned in 2017 as a Veteran Judge on the program judging the chefs of the central region.
He writes a monthly food column in the Eastern Daily Press and has his own monthly slot on Radio Norfolk on the Chrissie Jackson Show.
Katja Bainbridge
Owner | Managing Director
Katja, aka the Eyes and Ears of the place, can be found over all floors at Benedicts, managing and running the business.
She also looks after public relations, social media, communication, is often seen behind the lens to photograph the beauty that happens at Benedicts every day or found growing edible flowers and foraging for new and exciting ingredients in the fields of Norfolk with the help of her 2 beautiful Girls.
Ashley Williamson
Head Chef
Head Chef Ashley Williamson has been a fundamental member of the Benedicts family since its inception in June 2015. Originally from North Norfolk, Ashley undertook cookery apprenticeships at Norwich City College and latterly joined the Michelin starred kitchen of Morston Hall, Holt under the leadership of Galton Blackiston in 2012. Richard and Ashley met here and shared a passion for quality, seasonal ingredients and championing the abundance of Norfolk and East Anglia’s superb produce.
Ashley is the definition of a modern day chef. His excitement when working with the raw ingredient in order to develop them into show stopping dishes, is awe-inspiring. His steadfast dedication, attention to detail, hard work and love for the kitchen and his region has contributed to the notable reputation Benedicts has secured. He has established himself as one to watch in the industry and Richard’s right hand man.
Louis Bailey
Restaurant Manager
Louis has been a huge part of Team Benedicts since 2018. His professionalism and passion for Hospitality is second to none. He brings a warmth to our service and with his dedication and love for wines, has a great impact on our small yet avant-garde wine and drinks list.