SUSIE MANDLEBERG

28 year old Susie was born and raised in Alrewas and had no formal food training when she moved to London in 2016. She took on a front of house role at a brunch cafe in West London and quickly switched to the kitchen after being asked to help out! She began to design her own dishes based on seasonal, locally sourced produce and bold flavours. After 4 years she moved on to her first position as a head chef at a seafood restaurant also in West London. A few weeks later the country went into lockdown and Susie made the decision to move back to Staffordshire to be closer to her family and friends.

We are so excited to have Susie as our Head Chef at Thyme Kitchen. Her style and vision is perfect for us – bringing a something different to Lichfield that looks incredible, tastes amazing and is full of flavour!

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ROB PALMER

Rob Palmer formerly of Peels Restaurant at Hampton Manor, led the restaurant to their first Michelin Star in 2016, along with 4 AA Rosettes at Hampton Manor. 
 
He honed his craft as Sous Chef to award winning, Martyn Pearn. Pearn who held a Michelin star for over 12 years, including three of those on French soil. This relationship instilled a strong appreciation of classical cooking that has taking a lighter and more creative touch as Rob has found his own voice. Rob has found inspiration with placements in some of the country’s finest kitchens including Andrew Fairlee, Nathan Outlaw and the 20015 Good Food Guide, Chef to Watch – Gareth Ward. 
 
Rob was appointed to his role at the tender age of 27 and within 3 months led the restaurant to its third AA rosette in January 2015 as well as scoring 10/10 in the Sunday Telegraph where travel critic Fiona Duncan hailed the restaurant as “sensational”.  On 3rd October 2016 Rob Palmer picked up a Michelin Star for Peel’s. This accolade was the icing on the cake in a year in which Peel’s was named Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Birmingham at the Birmingham Food, Drink and Hospitality awards, was awarded its fourth AA Rosette. 
 
In a new chapter for Rob and with his first solo restaurant Toffs by Rob Palmer just a few months away from opening in Solihull, Rob is going to take over the kitchen at Thyme Kitchen to give diners a sample of his new menu on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout October, November and December.