Rick Stein, 78, ’emotional’ as new statement issued

The TV chef, who was born in Churchill near Chipping Norton, has been a regular on our screens for decades now.

The 79-year-old has featured in numerous TV shows and travelled the world, most notably in his Long Weekend BBC series across Europe and his cooking adventures in India, to name a few.

He also has a business portfolio spanning Padstow, Marlborough, Newquay, Winchester, Australia and in Sandbanks in Dorset.

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Over the weekend, Mr Stein visited his Sandbanks restaurant – on the exclusive millionaire’s peninsula in Poole Harbour.

In a statement on Instagram after the appearance, he said: “The magic of restaurants Sas [his wife] and I went to Rick Stein Sandbanks last night for a few drinks and nibbles with the regulars.

“It was I have to admit rather emotional to realise how much the place means to them I guess for various reasons quite a few are on their own.

“What with a special sunset over Poole harbour and lots happy conversation

“I sat thinking special a restaurant can be good for the community. Thanks to @grazbakas and Kat who know everyone and a lovely team of very friendly staff and some great chefs who produced not only the nibbles but for us the Twice Cooked Crab soufflé afterwards.”