Apes Hill Barbados has announced a new partnership with acclaimed British chef, author and broadcaster Sophie Michell to shape a new era for its food and beverage offering.
Recognised for her ingredients-led cooking, commitment to sustainability and more than three decades at the highest levels of hospitality, Michell will oversee the evolution of dining experiences that reflect the sense of place that defines Apes Hill Barbados.
The collaboration extends far beyond menu development. Working closely with the culinary team, Michell will help refine concepts across the restaurants at the Noisy Cricket and 20th Hole, develop new recipes and operating standards, create elevated in-villa dining experiences and establish a stronger farm-to-table identity that celebrates Barbados’ outstanding producers alongside ingredients grown within Apes Hill itself.
Guests can expect menus built around fresh local and seasonal produce, honest cooking and carefully sourced ingredients, with greater emphasis on wellbeing and sustainability.
Michell said: “I’ve always believed that the very best food starts with exceptional ingredients. Barbados offers an incredible abundance of wonderful flavours from many talented farmers, while Apes Hill grows its own produce across its own unique landscape and community. Bringing those together creates something genuinely special.
“It’s about creating dining experiences that feel authentic, relaxed and memorable while celebrating everything that makes Barbados unique.”
Having trained in Michelin-starred kitchens including La Gavroche, The Greenhouse, The Lanesborough and The Embassy, Michell has enjoyed an international career that has also included becoming the private chef for international supermodel Claudia Schiffer and other star clients such as Leonardo DiCaprio and David Cameron. She cooked for King Charles III on the historic evening of Barbados becoming republic. She was the UK’s youngest female Executive Chef when she took over the F&B department for Belgraves Hotel and later served as Food & Drink Director for Byron. Michell has enjoyed a successful career as an author and on television, appearing on Channel 4’s Cook Yourself Thin and authoring eight cookbooks. She has lived in Barbados since 2020, where she co-founded the successful farm-to-table restaurant Local & Co.
The first phase of the partnership will see the introduction of refreshed concepts across The 20th Hole and Noisy Cricket, alongside new event dining experiences, chef collaborations and premium in-villa dining designed to enhance every stage of the guest journey. Menus will increasingly highlight local producers, seasonal ingredients and produce grown within Apes Hill, reinforcing the wider environmental ethos.
Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman of Apes Hill Barbados, said: “Apes Hill has always believed luxury is defined by authenticity, quality and a genuine connection with its surroundings. Sophie’s philosophy mirrors those values perfectly. Her experience, creativity and understanding of Barbados make her the ideal partner as we continue to evolve every aspect of the resort experience.”
