The MasterChef: The Professionals winner – now best known for his Hove restaurant Etch – will oversee the culinary direction across the estate, which offers seasonal hospitality experiences, including lunches paired with its wines in its Medieval Barn.
According to Nyetimber – one of the South of England’s largest and most well-known wine producers – Edwards’ produce-led, seasonal approach aligns seamlessly with its commitment to craftsmanship, provenance and excellence in English sparkling wine.
Leading the project day to day will be Joe Pinard, who spent three years working at Etch, and joins Nyetimber from The Small Holding in Cranbrook, Kent.
The pair will create dishes that celebrate the very best of British produce ‘with a strong focus on seasonality, simplicity and flavour’.
Menus will be ‘thoughtfully designed’ to enhance and elevate Nyetimber’s wines, ‘creating a cohesive and memorable guest experience across tastings, events and dining’.
“Nyetimber is one of the most exciting names in English wine, and to be part of its continued evolution is a real privilege,” Edwards says. “Our aim is to create a food offering that not only reflects the quality of the wines and the brand, but also enhances the overall experience for guests visiting the Estate.”
Eric Heerema, CEO and owner of Nyetimber, added: “At Nyetimber we prioritise quality above all else, and part of that is offering the best possible food pairings for our award-winning sparkling wines. Steven has been a friend of the brand for years and shares our values, so we know he will be able to create fantastic dishes and pairing experiences for our valued guests at the Estate.”
With a CV that includes Raymond Blanc and Chris Wheeler, Edwards won the sixth series of MasterChef: The Professionals in 2013.
He launched etch. in Hove in 2017, which has featured on Restaurant’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK.
Steven Edwards is a classically trained chef and restaurateur, best known for winning MasterChef: The Professionals, making him one of the youngest winners of the competition.
His culinary journey began with training under some of the UK’s leading chefs, including Raymond Blanc and Chris Wheeler.
In 2017, Edwards followed up his MasterChef: The Professionals success by opening his flagship restaurant Etch in Hove.
In 2023, he was appointed creative director for The Tunnel Club, a high-end dining concept within the American Express Stadium, which is home to Brighton & Hove Football Club.
Earlier this year, his contract at the club was extended until 2031.