Mel Meets.....Chester Racecourse Head Chef Ian Penn



Mel caught up with Ian Penn, Head Chef at Chester Racecourse's fine dining restaurant 1539.

1539 is central to any post-race meeting celebrations and owing to demand, it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment.

Reserve your table today 01244 304611 or book online here!


  • What is your name? Ian Penn.

  • What is your current position? Head Chef.

  • And your restaurant is called? 1539.

  • How long have you been cooking? Since leaving school in 1988 so 26 years.

  • Tell me about your current menu. It's a mix of old and new techniques and dishes that reflect the quality of the produce without over complicating the plate.

  • What's your most popular dish on the menu? English Asparagus, Grilled Artichokes, Almond Puree, Tomato Flame, Chive Oil.

  • What's the tastiest meal you've ever had? The wife's Spaghetti Bolognaise.

  • Where is your favourite restaurant? The Rib Room at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower.

  • Would you ever go on Masterchef or go down the celebrity chef route? I'm more of a behind the scenes kind of Chef so probably not no.

  • What do you think of the Michelin stars - is this the ultimate goal? They can take over your life and you can lose focus on the most important thing for your business....the client.

  • Who does the cooking at home? I do most of it but when my Wife does cook its great.

  • Have you any guilty pleasures when it comes to eating bad food? Crispy Pancakes, Chips and Baked Beans. Old school favourite!

  • 10 years from now, where will you be? At the stove doing what I love best..cooking.

  • Any tips for budding wannabe chefs? Listen, ask questions and be sure.

  • If you could work for any chef, who would it be? Marcus Wareing.

  • You're in an all you can eat - what do you go for first? The biggest plate!!!
    Posted: Tuesday 3rd June 2014
    ID: 5489 - 1161



    • About 1539 Restaurant

    01244 304611
    Chester Racecourse, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY
    [email protected]
    www.restaurant1539.co.uk/

    Restaurant 1539 offers the most unique backdrop in which to enjoy a drink, savour a delicious meal or mingle in our Roof Lounge at the weekend.

    Our menu offers twists on classic British favourites alongside dishes inspired by flavours from across the globe. Restaurant 1539 is central to any post race meeting celebrations and owing to demand, it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. Reserve your table today 01244 304611 or visit restaurant1539.co.uk!