Richard Bainbridge
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
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
Ashley has been a fundamental part of the Benedicts Kitchen since Day 1.
Originally from North Norfolk, Ashley has worked in the Michelin starred kitchen of Morston Hall with Richard since 2012 and has moved along to join Team Benedicts for the opening in June 2015.
Ashley’s dedication, hard work and love for the kitchen makes him an absolute force and Richard’s right hand man.
Luara Santos
Restaurant Manager
Luara has been a huge part of Team Benedicts for over 5 years and has worked with Richard at Morston Hall since the age of 17. Her professionalism and passion for Hospitality is undoubtedly easy to notice. She brings a wonderful warmth to our service and with her dedication and love for wines, has a great impact on our small yet avant-garde wine list. As well as having the sweetest smile, she is a force to be reckoned with.