Chef Spotlight: David Mann of The Treby Arms in Sparkwell
Let's meet David Mann, Head Chef and owner of the Treby Arms on the edge of Dartmoor.
The Treby Arms is a gastropub on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, situated in the quaint village of Sparkwell.
David and his team offer seasonally changing menus based on local produce, and a range of dishes to suit most tastes from pub classics to some which are a little more refined. If you haven't got room for a full meal you could try their Treby Tapas.
We asked David to give us a little background on himself and his cooking style, and more...
About David...
I've been a chef for 18 years, and have worked in quite a few places your readers might have heard of including Langdon Court, Boringdon Hall, Burgh Island and Eastwell Manor.
I was the Head Chef of The Treby before leaving to open a restaurant in Plymouth city centre, and then returned to take on The Treby as my own.
I've always loved cooking, right from a very young age. I love to learn about all things food and produce, and I always try to use the best local ingredients and producers possible.
When I’m not working I love eating out and spending time with my daughter Isabella, and wife Rita. I'm a keen DIY’er so I always have some sort of project on the go.
What three words would sum up your style of cooking?
Simple, tasty, seasonal.
What’s coming up this season on your menu?
We are just finalising our spring menu, one dish whicxh is definitely making an appearnace will be Lamb Rump, wild garlic pesto, creamed potato, asparagus and lamb jus.
What has been your career highlights so far?
Finally taking the step to open my own place, it's a lot of hard work but very rewarding.
What is your favourite seasonal ingredient, and how would you serve it?
It has to be spring lamb for me. Cooked over an open fire served as above, maybe with some wild garlic and asparagus which are all in season together.
What does ‘sustainable’ mean to you?
For me ‘sustainable’ is trying to be as proactive as you can in regard to food wastage, buying local to keep your food miles to a minimum and also supporting your local business by doing so.
What was your most memorable meal
Well that would have to be at Lympstone Manor.
What are your ambitions for The Treby Arms?
Just to keep progressing and refining what we do. Trying to stay busy and keep achieving our goals.
Who has influenced you and your cooking style?
Scott Paton has definitely had a huge influence on my career and techniques learned in my time working with him. I have spent some of the best years of my career so far at Boringdon Hall.
Your most treasured or earliest food memory?
Being in a tavern in Spain as the guys were just hauling lobster up from the beach and cooking it there and then over the BBQ, serving with some garlic butter straight of the grill. Amazing.
What is your bucket list place to eat?
Ynyshir by Gareth Ward
Your ‘go to’ local restaurant / café?
Lisbon Cafe, Plymouth City Centre. My wife is Portuguese and this is a great Portuguese cafe/restaurant with great family owners.
Find out more about The Treby Arms by visiting their website. Take a look at their current menus. The pub also has an upstairs restaurant that can be yours for private events.