All About Rick Stein - Restaurants, Cookery Courses, and Rise to Fame

Rick Stein is one of the UK’s most respected chefs, known for his dedication to seafood and his contribution to British food culture through restaurants, cookbooks, and TV programmes. Stein built a name for himself through 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, where he is now synonymous with quality, simplicity, and fresh ingredients – particularly seafood and shellfish sourced from the coasts of Britain.

Who is Rick Stein?

Born in Oxfordshire in 1947, Rick Stein studied English at Oxford before entering the food industry. His culinary career began in the mid-1970s, when he opened a small bistro with his then-wife Jil Stein in Padstow, Cornwall. This bistro would later become “The Seafood Restaurant”, a cornerstone of the Rick Stein brand.

Stein went on to gain national recognition through BBC television programmes such as “Rick Stein’s Taste of the Sea”, “Seafood Odyssey”, and “Rick Stein’s India. These shows combined food with travel and helped him to develop a loyal following. His accessible cooking style and emphasis on regional dishes made him one of the most recognised, respected chefs in the UK.

Rick Stein’s Restaurants

Rick Stein has a restaurant group, that includes several locations in the UK, all of which maintain a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality food. Key locations include:

• The Seafood Restaurant, Padstow – Rick Stein’s flagship venue, specialising in freshly caught Cornish Seafood.
• Rick Stein, Barnes (London) – A Thames-side location offering Stein’s signature dishes in a relaxed riverside setting.
• The Cornish Arms – A traditional pub near Padstow, with real ales, and a classic pub menu, including Sunday Lunch.
• Rick Stein’s Café, Padstow – A café offering delicious fresh, local produce and a traditional Brunch menu.
• Rick Stein’s, Sandbanks – A glass-walled dining room on the edge of Poole harbour

Rick Stein’s Cooking Courses

Located above “The Seafood Restaurant” in Padstow, Rick Stein’s Cookery School offers a range of hands-on cooking courses. These include half-day, one-day, and multi-day experiences that cover everything from preparation (fish, etc) to global cuisine.

The school is known for its practical focus. Participants learn through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on sessions and are taught to replicate Stein’s well-known dishes under expert guidance. Stein’s courses are particularly popular with those looking to improve their seafood skills.

Cookery Course and Other Vouchers

Bruncher.com offer One-Day Rick Stein Cookery Course Vouchers, making it easy to gift or book a memorable food experience. These courses include:

• Chef-Led demonstrations
• Hands-on preparation of dishes
• Lunch overlooking the Camel Estuary
• Wine and refreshments throughout the day
• A recipe folder to take home.

Rick Stein’s Cookery Courses are suitable for both beginners and confident cooks, and is an ideal gift for food lovers and Rick Stein fans alike.

There are other vouchers on offer too! Such as a "VIP Land, Sea and Air Adventure - Helicopter Ride, Powerboat Trip and Dining at Rick Stein Sandbanks for Two", where guests can Enjoy aerial views, exhilarating powerboating and world-class dining. As well as "Private Powerboat Adventure to Old Harry Rocks and Dinner at Rick Stein Sandbanks for Two".

Rick Stein FAQ

Who is Rick Stein?

Rick Stein is a British chef, restaurateur, author, and TV presenter known for his expertise in seafood cuisine. He rose to prominence with his restaurant in Padstow and a series of BBC food and travel programmes.

Where is Rick Stein from?

Rick Stein was born in Churchill, Oxfordshire, England, in 1947. He later moved to Cornwall, where his culinary career began.

What is Rick Stein famous for?

He is best known for his seafood restaurants, particularly The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, and for television series such as Rick Stein’s India, Rick Stein’s Spain, and Seafood Odyssey.

How many restaurants does Rick Stein own?

Rick Stein’s restaurant group includes more than 10 establishments across the UK and Australia, with key locations in Padstow, Barnes, Sandbanks, and London

What type of food does Rick Stein cook?

Rick Stein specialises in seafood, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His menus also feature global influences from his culinary travels.