Eckington Manor offers award-winning luxury accommodation in historic buildings nestled in the Avon valleys, an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary individually styled guest bedrooms that provide the perfect place to unwind and relax.
Head Chef and 2015 MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Mark Stinchcombe, has brought his culinary expertise and farm-to-table ethos to the hotel, restaurant and on-site cookery school.
At the age of 16, Mark began working in kitchens and never looked back, building a career across Bath, Cornwall, Cheltenham, and Sydney. Today, he brings his skills to Eckington Manor—a luxury countryside retreat offering acclaimed dining, hands-on cookery courses, and boutique accommodation.
And the accolades speak for themselves:
- Winner, MasterChef: The Professionals 2015
- Michelin Guide Entry – Eckington Manor
- Eckington Manor Visit England Five Star Gold Guest Accommodation – B&B (2024/25)
- Eckington Manor Visit England Breakfast Award (2024/25)
- Eckington Manor Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2023/24 - winner of Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year
- Eckington Manor Cookery School, Food and Travel Reader Awards 2023 – winner of Cookery School of the year
Eckington Manor offers Michelin-quality dining, with menus crafted by award-winning chefs with fine-dining backgrounds. Dishes reflect the commitment to local produce, exceptional flavour, and seasonal inspiration.
The countryside destination was already established when Mark came on board; stepping into a respected venue allowed him to bring his culinary style and passion for education into full bloom. “Our founder, Judy Gardner, purchased Manor Farm in 2014, she lovingly restored the farm and its buildings, diversifying the offering to include outstanding accommodation.” Mark continues, “Judy’s passion for food and belief in buying British, supporting local producers, and celebrating seasonality is the essence of the Eckington Manor food experience.”
Mark proudly explains, “Using the best seasonal ingredients is paramount to us. When the produce is grown and harvested in our gardens, and when collecting asparagus and vegetables from local suppliers, the feeling of fulfilment is incredible.”
The acclaimed on-site cookery school blends seamlessly into the rural surroundings. With a variety of inspiring hands-on cookery courses that teach the art of cooking using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, catering to both leisure and corporate guests.
‘Our award-winning cookery school offers fantastic facilities and courses that are designed to be fun, relaxed and accessible to people at all skill levels. We help students gain new techniques and build their confidence in the kitchen.”
Mark explains the importance of supporting local agriculture. “With our cookery school, farmland, restaurant, and accommodation all being on the same site, Eckington Manor is a living example of regenerative tourism, where learning, local food systems, and environmental care all come together to refresh the land and the community. Education via the Cookery School shares how farming and cookery practices can work together to support local ecosystems.”
Taste Worcestershire 2025 showcases culinary excellence and quality food producers across the county, and Mark is thrilled to be involved. “Events such as this reach out to a wider audience to help promote businesses in the county. As a head chef in Worcestershire, I am honoured to be given the opportunity to build connections with many guests and suppliers.”
Mark reveals that the team are working on new initiatives. “We have exciting things coming up at Eckington Manor. We are working on a more informal approach to dining, which we are really excited about – watch this space!”
