Our resident chefs...

Dale Blacow

Dale Blacow is Executive Chef of Lucy’s of Ambleside and LucyCooks. His training commenced at Kendal College in the late 80s. Following a period of agency work which took him all over the British Isles (from the Channel Islands to Scotland, and Northern Ireland to Wales), we were very pleased to welcome him home to the Lakes in 2002. Since June of that same year he enthusiastically fulfilled the role of hard working Head Chef for Lucy’s on a Plate, before quickly progressing to Executive Chef for Lucy’s Specialist Grocers, Lucy’s on a Plate, Lucy4 and Lucy’s Inside Out.

In his spare time Dale can be found… fishing for his supper.

Nick Martin

Nick has been named as one of the top ten chefs in the North West, working in the Lake District he is well known for his enthusiasm for local and regional produce. He is often heard on the radio and has encouraged local producers to develop new food products. When he isn't at home he can be found in front of the television cameras working along side many famous chefs such as Keith Floyd, Jean-Christophe and Anthony Worral Thompson

Guest chefs...

Lisa Smith

From a career spanning product design, art psychotherapy and teaching Lisa has always had a creative instinct and the desire to communicate. After relocating to the Lake District with her family she was able to apply her creativity when she joined the Lucy’s team and set up the successful gluten free kitchen, creating and experimenting to produce fantastic cakes and bakes. From this Lisa was inspired to set up her own business “Ginger Bakers” in 2006, producing fabulous cakes for prominent local retailers. Lisa has been pleased to maintain her association with Lucy’s, teaching at Lucy Cooks from it’s launch and continuing to produce stunning wedding and celebration cakes.

Clippy

Clippy (aka Michelle Mckenna)

Clippy is the founder of Clippy's Apple preserves, a unique awarding winning brand dedicated to British apple heritage. Each jam, jelly and chutney was developed in her kitchen and all products are handmade. Stockists include Harvey Nichols, John Lewis, The National Trust and EH Booths. Over the last 15 years Clippy has travelled across the globe, savouring the culinary delights of diverse cultures; from crocodile to shrimp burgers; from apple butter to green figs picked from Atlantic cliffs tops; from bohemian cafes in Brussels to camping under the stars in France. These memories have inspired Clippy’s taste buds to build the unique repertoire of flavour combinations for Clippy’s Apples. Clippy's journey started as a contestant on the BBC 'Master Chef Goes Large' series. Since then, she has demonstrated her prowess by appearing on numerous TV and radio shows and conducting workshops at fine-food festivals and stockist events. Clippy can preserve anything from apples to cauliflowers and if you stay still for long enough, she will 'preserve' you!!