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TEAM: Meet Ian Waghorn, Our New Chef!

Updated: Aug 26, 2022



Ian has recently joined us at Green Farm and we couldn't be more delighted. We thought you'd like to get to know Ian a bit more so we asked him a few questions about his passions, experience, values and most importantly his food! We even asked him what would be his last meal, what would yours be? Let us know in the comments.


Hi Ian! Tell us a bit about you and your career in food.

Over the last 21 years, I have worked in some of the top restaurants and hotels around the country, including 7 years within Michelin stared kitchens, 5 years in 5-star hotels, 2 years heading up the food and hospitality operation at EY London, and opening the restaurant in the executive suite. I have travelled and worked in various countries across the world and most recently spent the last 5 years working in one of the best cookery schools in the world, Le Cordon Bleu. I am now launching my own company ‘Bear n Mind Catering’ where we will focus on healthy eating, increasing the diversity of ingredients in our meals and spoiling ourselves with dining for special occasions!

Where does your passion for food lie?

"The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity, than the discovery of a new star" Brillat Savarin 18th century author of The Physiology of Taste. Sharing food runs through the heart of every culture.


There is nothing better than spending time sharing food with friends and loved ones. My passion for cooking is rooted throughout my life, be that through my wife’s family in farming and cheese making or as a child cooking with my grandmother and harvesting onions and potatoes with my father.


The scent of a tomato, zesty raw green beans, fiery watercress, creamy cobnuts, sweet scallops, the burst of citrus fruit, richness of olive oil and butter. The ingredients that I cook with are of the greatest respect, and vital to the creation of a meal. Great food really is good for the mind and soul.

You say you have your own allotment, what do you think of our Community Garden?

I am lucky to have a small allotment that I tend to, my children and I regularly spend time during the seasons planting, watering and picking, I think it’s so important that the next generation understands food, nature and its importance. The Community Garden is another level, I can’t wait to get involved with the Pearce Coggan Foundation, I will have to tell my kids they can’t dig any big holes there though!

What is your mission as a cook?

Over the past few years, I have had an awakening through the power of food. I am on a mission to increase diversification in our diets and awaken the joy of eating vegetables with a focus on eating quality meat and fish.


It is always important to spoil ourselves once in a while by indulging in a luxury feast, but now my mission is to spread the word that healthy food isn’t boring and we can really look after our bodies and minds with what we eat.

What drew you to Green Farm?

The moment I came to Green Farm I knew we had to work together, our values align. The focus on mind and body, the integrity of ingredients and the importance of health are true to my values and the values of Bear n Mind.

What can guests visiting Green Farm expect from your food?

Join me in sharing good food, which is great for the body and great for the mind.


I will be serving dishes that focused on the exceptional Community Garden, there are no better quality vegetables than the ones grown in harmony with nature. I will be focusing on big flavours, served in harmony with the truly sustainable meat of fish. Ingredient diversity is something I strongly believe in; you can expect world cuisine using the exceptional quality of produce of Green Farm. In essence, the champion of the show will be the produce that Green Farm nurture, I will be using some other ingredients to enhance them but the focus will be quality and must be sustainable.

What is your POV on the future of farming/food production?

It’s time for change! If we change what we eat and how we grow it, as a nation our health will improve.


Our ancestors knew the importance of what we eat, but somehow as a nation, we have gone backwards, we need to focus on quality/diversity instead of quantity and fast food.

What is your fondest food memory?

Some of my best memories of food are from when I was travelling in Malaysia and Thailand, the flavours and simplicity of ingredients but complex flavour! I had a pumpkin curry in south Thailand from a street stall which blew my mind! Never had one that good since!!


But my fondest memory has to be toasted sandwiches at my Grandmother's, listening to the electric knife my grandfather used to slice the recently cooked ham joint with, the smell of the burning grease from the prehistoric toasty machine, (which I have never seen one quite like, to this day) all my cousins, family and I eating from a huge pile of these crispy, buttery toasted sarnies in the middle of the table; each one of us burning the roofs of our mouths on the molten Branston pickle and the red hot stringy elastic cheddar. This is a memory I hope to have forever.

Best cuisine or dish if you had to pick one and why?

I find the Mediterranean diet fascinating, it’s so diverse, covering so many countries and produce. It's clean, and simple but has complex flavours at the same time. You could be eating light and fresh, hot and spicy, rich and hearty. It's everything that I love about clean and healthy food.

What do you cook if you need a fast, healthy dinner?

I make a quick salad, I have some wild garlic pesto that I keep in my freezer from the Spring, that I mix with natural yoghurt. My children love broccoli and green beans so we always have those when in season, but any green vegetables from my fridge will do, a tin of pulses (e.g haricot blanc), some nuts and seeds maybe some brown rice if I have some, a boiled egg and some chilli flakes.

It's quick but importantly minimal washing up!

What would be your last meal?

Roasted lamb chump, as great lamb has me on my knees. Served with potato dauphinoise, salsa verde and jus!

Nothing complicated, but beautiful meat, the complexity of herbs and anchovies dressing and the luxury potato dauphinoise.

What about your new role are you most excited about?

I’m looking forward to exploring the garden and surrounding lands to start foraging, let’s see what nature can provide to our plates.




15 Comments


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4.9
42 Reviews
Amanda Hipkiss
I had a perfect 24 hours at Green Farm Kent .. starting with a seriously relaxing massage, then a tasty home grown lunch, followed by a lovely afternoon reading and relaxing in the hot tub before a home cooked meal with the hosts. It didn’t end there.. the next mornig was yoga and a tour of the farm where I got to meet the animals and learn a bit about natural farming. What an experience. Thank you to the hosts Maryann and Martin and their colleagues Sam, Natasha and more for making me feel so welcome and going above and beyond to make sure I had the perfect experience. Such a wonderful place!xx
anna ward
What an amazing place! Loved every minute of our weekend. Spa treatments were fabulous and weekend was topped off with the lovely chef cooking a delicious roast dinner in the comfort of our barn.Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
Michelle Vardy
A stunning location with everything we needed for a girls weekend. Beautiful barn with everything you needed from fully kitted out Kitchen, beautiful luxury bedrooms and bathrooms. We had time at the spa with amazing treatments , use of the hot tubs and sauna. The 2 course lunch was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Amelia cooked a lovely spread for our Sunday lunch and we couldn’t ask for anymore. The team are so helpful and I could highly recommend a visit. Planning a return trip for. Yoga retreat and sharing this stunning location with more friends.
Abigail Petre
The people here were so friendly and helpful. Facilities were excellent and accommodation was extremely nice xxIt really is in the wilds of the beautiful Kent countryside and precisely what we were needing x
Zoe Applegate
Thank you for a perfect hen doo. The accommodation and facilities were amazing, our hosts welcoming, Amelia’s cooking and spa were divine. I would definitely recommend green barn farm and would love to return.
Lydia Smiddy
Home from the most magical, restful and peaceful weekend at Green Farm. My sister and I booked their yoga and spa weekend and we absolutely loved it. The whole team at GF go above and beyond to make you feel at home. The food is absolutely exceptional, as is your surroundings; a beautiful studio where you have daily yoga sessions, sauna with sunrise view, hot tub by the pond, should you like to take a dip (we did every morning and it was very cold but so refreshing!) acres of woodland for walks and fields with their farm animals, who live great lives! The accommodation is so cosy and welcoming, we especially liked curling up with a book in front of the fire. We can’t wait to return! Thank you Green Farm, you are the best!
Cris Kellett
What a find. We have just returned from a weekend Yoga Retreat at Green Farm in Kent. The location is stunning and the attention to detail and cleanliness in everything is impeccable. Martin and Maryann's passion for providing a relaxing and first class experience for all of their guests shines through. They have restored the farmhouse sympathetically and created a beautiful home for themselves and a special place to stay and unwind for guests. We were in the Chestnut Room which had the biggest most comfortable bed ever! The farmhouse is full of character and decorated and furnished very tastefully. All of the team welcomed us and were very attentive throughout our stay. We enjoyed delicious nutritious meals cooked by lovely Amelia, guided ancient woodland walks with Martin who's knowledge and understanding of the area and the wildlife is AMAZING, the spa facilities which are mainly outdoors or connect with the outdoors, provided everything we could possibly need for a restorative stay. We left feeling recharged, relaxed and nourished. We have already booked our next stay in May next year for the Nightingale Retreat....unfortunately we couldn't get in on the November retreat as it is fully booked. You have to be quick! Thank you Martin and Maryann and all the team for a wonderful stay. It was exactly what we needed and far exceeded our expectations. We really cannot say enough. Cris and Jo Kellett
Beth Angharad Hickling-Moore
The most wonderful Spa experience: MaryAnn, Aggy and therapists Sharon and others (sorry that I can’t remember all of your names) went above and beyond to make our day so perfect. We had a wonderful lunch sourced from their own produce (they were so helpful in making sure those with dietary requirements ate well!) and all enjoyed a wonderful facial. Didn’t feel like a ‘conveyor belt’ like it does in some spas and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much, we will be back!
John Armstrong
We went to the 'Singing with Nightingales' event on Saturday night. The dinner started with delicious canapes around the camp fire. There then followed a fabulous 4 course dinner with fine wines and other drinks available at the quirky little bar. We were then treated to a delightful walk in the dark through the woods, right to the spot where we could hear the magic of a Nightingale singing. Our guide Martin set the scene at the start of the evening and his useful insight into the life and habitat of this amazing little bird made for fascinating listening. IT was a truly memorable experience and everything was very much to our liking.
MLM
After seven months I was able to have my first ESPA facial at the Spa since before the lockdown. Overall it was just fantastic. On arrival at the waiting area (which had lovely flowering tulips) had clear COVID instructions while maintaining the same warm welcoming atmosphere. The treatment rooms were spotless which made me feel very safe. The staff were very professional and ensured I had the best experience as possible. The treatment itself was blissful. I left feeling completely re-energised with a beautiful glowing skin. It is such a pleasure to be back, thank you Green Farm Spa team!
Liv Davidson
We had the most fantastic Spa Day at Green Farm! I had organised it for my friends birthday and was very doubtful that I could find a place that could work with all of the COVID restrictions in place, but wow, I'm so grateful we came across Green Farm. It's located in the most tranquil setting in Kent. As soon as you step onto the property it instantly lifts your spirits. Set within a stunning farm setting, you are whisked away into the garden where you are presented with the most beautiful organic lunch! The food was just amazing, with the ingredients either grown directly on the property or sourced locally - it was exactly what we needed after the previous nights cocktails...We then spent the afternoon lounging around in their beautiful walled garden sipping wine and receiving our wonderful treatments from the therapists, who were brilliant by the way! Afterwards we moved onto the outdoor heated jacuzzi to lap up the scenery and might I say sip a few more wines ... when in Kent and all .. ! Overall we had just the most relaxing, amazing time and my friend said it was the best birthday she's ever had. The facilities were wonderful, the staff bend over backwards to help you with anything you might need and the treatments are first class. Thank you Green Farm for having us and we will most certainly be back!
Iulia Barta (iulianature)
I had a fantastic hen party at the Green Farm. Everything was perfect, from the initial communication over the phone and email to organise it all, to the fantastic day me and my other six girlfriends had. Homemade gluten-free apple pie made with their own apples growing in the garden, great coffee, right by the luxurious hot tub! We each enjoyed our spa treatments as well, the detox body wrap was fantastic, top to toe! We then shared a sublime healthy lunch, with the hosts catering for everyone's needs including gluten-free sausages and bread. We had a nice walk around to the "Fairyland", just round the corner as well, it was amazing to be in the middle of nature. We saw sheep, pheasants and even Labrador puppies!! We could also see where they grow their own produce and I even bought some onions, apples and honey from there! It was definitely a day I will always remember with great pleasure.Thank you so much! Iulia's Hen Do/ Team Bride :)
Sam Buckman
A truly fabulous place to stay. Highly recommended
Margaret Sculpher
Green Farm has the potential to be a little haven of a retreat. There are some super elements, my massage & facial with Kirsty were probably the best ever & lunch in the barn was delicious, with fresh ingredients & homemade soups which was lovely. The whole experience didn’t quite gell. We arrived at 11.00 but it was clear no one was quite ready or organised. There was no where really to sit, no privacy. A class was going on in the barn so we sat in the tiny reception for about 45 minutes & it was too cold. My friend was frozen after her treatments, she didn’t even want to get in her robe.After lunch we had use of the hot tub & sauna (both outside). We had to search for someone to take the lid off the hot tub & the same again to be shown where the sauna was. We only had one towel each provided so by the time we’d been in the hot tub this was wet but we had to use it getting to the sauna (outside) & again when we showered on leaving.So you see elements were good & some were not. This was an expensive day out, a luxury retreat (£170).The other point of note is it’s a very short day 11.00 to 15.30.The price is a concern.
Carl Ross
Lovely barn conversion with wonderful hosts. Comfortably housed 8 adults and 3 kids. Martin giving us the tour of the farm whilst feeding the animals was a highlight for the kids. Spa next door was great as was the jacuzzi.
Edd Brown
Stunning holiday cottages! Fantastic location and wonderful welcoming host's. Thank you Maryanne and Martin.
Karen Cowell
Spent a lovely, relaxing day here for a friend's 40th. Absolutely beautiful location. Fantastic staff. Wonderful massage (honestly think it was one of the best I have ever had) and a delicious, wholesome homemade lunch. Really cannot recommend this place enough.
Greg Allen
Beautifully restored buildings in a quiet Kent village. Lovely setting.
Julian Barnes
Great setting, Run by a super couple that put every effort into anything there guests want,
Elias Haddouche
Great stay at Green Farm, Martin such a lovely owner showing around. Great food and many good things to do during stay including yoga, feeding the animals and massages - would highly recommend!
latifat awotedu
Great and warm hosts. Fresh bits of all including air
hannah neve
Very relaxing. Lovely location.
Nejla Carter-Wallace
Relaxing, refreshing, clean, ver friendly staff. Amazing beautiful grounds, access to acres of long walks. Beautiful accommodation, spa, best treatments with Espa products. To experience more please contact Martin or Maryann. Lovely people. Do not miss not visiting
Joe Cross
What a lovely place.
Chris Luche
Such a beautiful location
Steven Hilton
So Kent is full of spas. But Green Farm Kent was just that little bit better. The luxury boutique spa is one part of a sort of farm/community garden/holiday barn/woodland/meat producing rural idyll. After our massage, I asked if I could hold one of the new born lambs - no problem! They also had a group of volunteers from a local charity there to learn the art of fence-making. We had a stunning couple of days just de-stressing. The massage was incredible as was the hot tub. And when we needed to get home, London was so close. We are going back!