Our Journey

Alex Knowles

Director - Chef Patron

Born in Germany to parents in the British Army, Alex gained a love for learning new cultures from an early age, this went hand in hand as he started his cooking career.

At the age of 17 Alex decided to take up a kitchen assistant job whilst waiting to come of age to join the Army. Very quickly he discovered a love for cooking and the rest as they say, is history…

After spending two and a half years gaining qualifications and experience in the catering world, Alex left his home town of Grantham, Lincolnshire to join Collin Mcgurran’s team, and was one of the first members of the team to open The Hope and Anchor, South Ferriby. Under the guidance and tutorage of Slawek, Alex spent five years learning all things food. During this time he discovered passions for farm to fork dining, butchery and foraging. He also had the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs in the country with work experience at restaurants such as: Dinner by Heston (2 Michelin star), The Hand and Flowers (2 Michelin star), The Coach in Marlow (1 Michelin star) and Midsummer House (2 Michelin star).

After five years at The Hope and Anchor progressing from Commis Chef to Head Chef Alex decided to pursue more learning and moved to restaurant Moor Hall in Ormskirk (2 Michelin star). Here he spent more time learning at the highest level of cooking as part of a team that won National Restaurant Awards Best restaurant 2019. Next on the list was a return to Collin Mcgurran and Winteringham Fields (1 Michelin star). Under the watchful eye of Head Chef Gareth Bartram, Alex rekindled his love for all things Lincolnshire.

Alex opened The New Inn in the summer of 2022, alongside Slawek, but is now very excited to be on this journey with his very own family - building a place for people to love and enjoy.