The veteran chef’s CV includes stints at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Hambleton Hall and Gordon Ramsay’s Aubergine.
Under his leadership, The Freemasons will continue to offer both its signature tasting menu and à la carte dining, alongside a programme of casual gastronomic events celebrating seasonal and British produce.
The venue is currently closed while Shaw and his team develop a new menu and complete a series of refurbishments ahead of reopening early next month.
“I visited The Freemasons a number of years ago and thought, what a beautiful place,” says Shaw. “It reminded me of my time in Great Milton at Le Manoir and Hambleton Hall. Customers can expect British pub classics alongside seasonal dishes, each with our signature touch, showcasing the best of local produce as well as ingredients from further afield.”
Relaunched in 2009, The Freemasons at Wiswell has become one of the UK’s best-known gastropubs and has been a regular fixture on the Top 50 Gastropubs list, organised by Restaurant’s sister publication The Morning Advertiser.
The appointment follows the departure last year of Steven Smith, who left after 15 years as chef patron.