River Cottage Cookery School, Recognised as an ICSA ‘Centre of Excellence’ appoints new Head Chef
Emese Patko Appointed Head Chef at River Cottage HQ, East Devon
River Cottage has announced the appointment of Emese Patko as Head Chef at its East Devon headquarters, marking an exciting new chapter for the pioneering food and education organisation. Her appointment reflects a confident continuation of River Cottage’s long-standing commitment to seasonal, ethical and produce-led cooking — values that closely align with ICSA’s standards for excellence in cookery education.
Emese succeeds former Head Chef Chiara Tomasoni and will now lead all food across River Cottage HQ at Park Farm. Her remit includes the River Cottage Kitchen restaurant, immersive dining events, weddings, private and corporate occasions, and the ICSA-accredited River Cottage Cookery School, which plays a central role in the organisation’s educational mission.
Having spent nearly a year working across the River Cottage kitchens, Emese now formally steps into leadership, bringing a distinctive culinary style rooted in seasonal ingredients, bold flavour combinations and thoughtful use of colour and texture.
From Central Europe to East Devon
Originally from Hungary, Emese brings over 20 years’ professional experience to the role. Her career began in central Europe, with formative roles in Austria and Germany, before relocating to the UK more than 13 years ago. Since then, she has developed a strong reputation for thoughtful, produce-led cooking across a number of highly regarded kitchens.
Emese spent eight and a half years with the Home Grown Hotels group, working across multiple properties including Lime Wood in the New Forest and Bath. She later helped open The Pig at Combe, where she went on to spend six years as Head Pastry Chef. In 2024, she appeared on The Great British Bake Off: The Professionals, introducing her work to a wider audience.
Commenting on her appointment, Emese said:
“I’m so excited to be stepping into the role of Head Chef at River Cottage. Cooking with seasonal, home-grown and foraged ingredients, and sharing food that brings people together, is what I love most. I can’t wait to show what we’ve been working on.”
River Cottage founder Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall added:
“I’m absolutely delighted that Emese is now taking the lead across all our menus at River Cottage. She’s an amazing talent who creates irresistible plates of generous, vibrant flavours from the incredible produce that surrounds us here in East Devon. I’m very excited about what lies ahead.”
Learning, Sustainability and Inspiring Change
River Cottage has been based at Park Farm in East Devon for over 20 years, operating as a working farm guided by its SLOW philosophy — seasonal, local, organic and wild. Since first appearing on television in 1999, River Cottage has championed the belief that good food can improve lives and drive positive change, a principle now embodied in its motto: Food to Inspire Change.
At the heart of this mission is the ICSA-accredited River Cottage Cookery School, which delivers a year-round programme of courses and experiences. These range from core cookery and baking skills to specialist subjects such as fermentation, gut health, foraging and gardening. The school is recognised by ICSA for its high teaching standards, excellent facilities and strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
As Head Chef, Emese will continue to develop menus that reflect River Cottage’s values, with a strong focus on vegetables, whole foods and responsibly sourced produce, while supporting the educational work of the cookery school and inspiring the next generation of cooks.
Her appointment represents a natural and exciting evolution for River Cottage — rooted in its founding principles, strengthened by accredited education, and guided by creativity, integrity and connection.
Read more about River Cottage Cookery School in an Interview with Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall,
More information visit their ICSA ‘Centre of Excellence’ listing here
