Shropshire Chef Wins Midlands Top Culinary Award

Suree Coates, a restaurateur from Shropshire, has achieved a significant culinary honor by being named Midlands Chef of the Year. The award was presented at the Midlands Food, Drink and Hospitality Awards held in Birmingham. Coates, who established Suree's Kitchen at the White Hart in Ironbridge a quarter-century ago, shared her overwhelming joy and appreciation for the accolade.

Her cooking style is deeply rooted in her upbringing in Thailand, where she learned by observing, tasting, and assisting at home rather than following written recipes. These formative experiences continue to influence her approach to cuisine and were instrumental in helping her adapt to life in the UK.

Moving to the UK presented challenges, including adapting to unfamiliar ingredients and distinct flavors. Coates noted that navigating these differences ultimately contributed to her personal and professional growth as a chef.