CHRIS CHARLES - LANDLORD
Born and bred in Exeter I am the youngest of 3 brothers. I spent 6 years managing the Jack in the Green and have a huge passion for food and service. In my spare time I watch any sport I can, fish and play golf.
I began working in Catering when I left college at the age of 18 starting as a waiter before moving onto a Manager’s role and then Assitant Manager. I joined the Jack in 2007 and learnt from one of the best in the business – Paul Parnell. Sharing the same core values of customer care, attention to detail and going the extra mile for customers has, I think, helped us forge a successful working relationship.
Whilst Paul runs the Jack, I am now responsible for the Five Bells which we operate very much as sister pubs due to the natural synergy between them. After overseeing substantial renovations in early 2013, I have assembled the Front of House and Kitchen team from scratch. The first twelve months have been an enjoyable learning curve for us all as we each settle into our roles and start to grow the business.
HARRY BROOKS - RESTAURANT MANAGER
Interested in food from a very young age, my original passion was to be a Chef. My first job was as a Breakfast Chef and Kitchen Porter in a local hotel. After completing my GCSE’s I joined Exeter College where I achieved my NVQ2 and 3 in Professional Cookery as well as an NVQ2 in Food and Beverage Service. I was also lucky enough to be able to change jobs and joined the Rock Inn at Haytor Vale as part time Comis Chef.
I have always loved skiing. I left college at 18 and Joined Crystal Ski as Chalet Chef in Tignes, France. Having to interact a lot with customers, I became very interested in the Front of House side.
I joined the Jack in the Green when I returned from France working in Front of House before moving over to the Five Bells in time for their opening. I am now the Restaurant Manager and am currently also studding for my Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership. I love learning from Chris and all the team as collectively we have a great work ethic and strive tirelessly to ensure our customers have a faultless experience.
IAN WEBBER - HEAD CHEF
I was previously Head Chef at the two Michelin starred Gidleigh Park at Chagford for 6 years and a previous winner of Taste of the West's ‘South West Chef of the Year’ competition in 2006. I was also Executive Head Chef of Abode Exeter for a year before joining the Five Bells in November 2013.
I live in Honiton and am a father of three. Joining the team here was a brilliant opportunity to balance family life with work and approach cooking from a slightly different and more hands on perspective. My motivation now is to produce delicious, simple, seasonal dishes and pub favourites with a stylish twist.
I really want to keep doing things for the villagers and reward their loyalty as they were responsible for saving the pub in the first place. It’s very empowering to have the chance to help to extend the reach of good food and good hospitality to a wider audience.
JAMES PECOVER - BAR MANAGER
I started working at the Five Bells when it opened in August 2013. My Sister Harriet is Head Pastry Chef at the Jack in the Green and encouraged me to come and join her working there to pursue a career in Catering. Having been to the Jack to eat I loved the idea and jumped at the opportunity immediately.
Working under Paul Parnell and Chris Charles I learnt a tremendous amount and through Head Chef Matthew Mason and his passion for cooking I developed a desire to carry on in Catering. I was at the Jack for just over a year. I am now the Bar Manager at the Five Bells and love the progress we are making which has been capped off by the recruitment of Head Chef Ian Webber late last year.
Away from work I love to indulge my true passion in life which is flying. I am a Civilian instructor with the Air Cadets 2 nights a week and having spent 6 years as a Cadet myself I am delighted to be giving something back to the organisation that gave me so much.