James Sommerin facts for kids
| Born | Caerleon, Newport |
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Current restaurant(s)
The Shed, Home
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Previous restaurant(s)
  Restaurant James Sommerin The Crown at Whitebrook |
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Television show(s)
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James Sommerin was born around 1978 in Caerleon, a town in Wales. He is a very talented Welsh chef who has earned a special award called a Michelin star. This award shows that his restaurants serve some of the best food!
Contents
James Sommerin: A Chef's Journey
Early Life and Dreams
James Sommerin grew up in Caerleon. When he was a child, he loved to bake with his grandmother every Saturday. This sparked his interest in cooking.
When James was just 12 years old, his dad got him a Saturday job at an Italian restaurant. His dad hoped this job would make James change his mind about becoming a chef. But it did the opposite! The job made James even more sure that cooking was what he wanted to do.
After finishing school, James went to train formally as a chef. His first full-time cooking job was at the Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel in Llangybi, Monmouthshire. He worked there as a commis chef, which is an entry-level position in a professional kitchen.
At 16, James moved to Scotland to work at the Farleyer House Hotel in Aberfeldy. There, he learned a lot from a chef named Richard Lyth. Richard taught him a calm and simple French cooking style.
Becoming a Michelin Star Chef
James decided to move back to Wales to be closer to his family. In 2000, he joined The Crown at Whitebrook in Monmouthshire as a Sous Chef. This means he was the second-in-command in the kitchen.
By December 2003, James became the Executive Chef at The Crown. Under his leadership, the restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2007. This is a huge achievement for any chef! The restaurant kept its star for seven years. However, due to money problems, The Crown at Whitebrook closed in March 2013.
In 2014, James opened his own restaurant called Restaurant James Sommerin. It was located right on the seafront in Penarth. Sadly, this restaurant also closed in July 2020. This was due to money problems caused by the Covid-19 lockdown.
Later in 2020, James opened a new place called The Shed in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. It was a cool restaurant in a renovated industrial building. The food there was less expensive, making it more accessible.
In July 2021, James started another new restaurant called Home. It is located on Stanwell Road in Penarth.
On Television
In 2008, The Guardian newspaper chose James as one of the "Chefs to Watch." This was a big honor!
In 2009, James represented Wales in the final of the BBC show Great British Menu. He competed against other top chefs and even beat Stephen Terry to reach the final.
Life Outside the Kitchen
James Sommerin is married to Louise. They live in Penarth and have three daughters.
