Chef SJ in the spotlight!

This summer, we were thrilled to welcome a new face to The New Inn kitchen – our talented Chef SJ, who has already been making waves with his passion, creativity, and authentic flavours.

Originally from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in southern India – home of the magnificent Brihadishvara Temple (Google it, it’s truly impressive!) – SJ moved to the UK a few years ago to continue his culinary journey. His love for cooking started early, and like many great chefs, he owes much of his inspiration to family… and a little bit of romance!

“When I was 17, I had a girlfriend who wasn’t good at cooking,” laughs SJ. “So I decided to learn for myself – and went straight to the best teacher of all time, my mother.”

Since then, his skills have taken him far, developing a style that balances authentic Indian flavours with fresh local ingredients. His enthusiasm for quality, flavour and creativity has quickly made him a hit with both the team and our guests.

Coming Soon: Sunday Curry Evenings 🍛

Next month, SJ will be launching something special here at The New Inn – Sunday Curry Evenings!

Expect authentic, flavour-packed dishes that celebrate the rich traditions of Indian cuisine, all with SJ’s unique twist.

“Be willing to try new things,” says SJ, “because once you’ve tried it, you’ll love it!”

It’s not just about heat – it’s about harmony. “It’s not about the spices,” he explains, “it’s about the flavours all blended together.”

The Guilty Pleasure

Quick Fire Q’s with Chef SJ 🔥

Q. Where in India are you from?

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – the home of the famous Brihadishvara Temple.

Q. What first got you interested in cooking?

When I was 17, I had a girlfriend who wasn’t good at cooking – so I decided to learn from my mum!

Q. What’s your all-time favourite Indian dish to cook?

Fish Curry with Mango.

Q. And your favourite British dish?

Sunday Chicken Roast with Yorkshire pudding (I make the best!) – though Risotto comes a close second.

Q. If you could cook dinner for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Taylor Swift 🥰

Q. The one ingredient you couldn’t live without?

Ghee – a type of butter that’s essential in Indian cooking.

Q. Sweet or Spicy?

Sweet.

Q. Your guilty pleasure?

Spiced Rum with Pepper and Ice.

Q. What can we expect from your Sunday Curry Evenings?

Be open to trying new flavours – you’ll fall in love with them!

Q. How hot is too hot?

It’s not about the heat, it’s about getting the balance of flavours just right.

Q. What do you love most about working at The New Inn?

Working with a great team. Chef Dan Maskell is a great boss who makes me feel valued and appreciated. (He didn’t pay me to say that!!)

Sunday Curry Evenings coming soon!

We can’t wait for you to experience Chef SJ’s authentic Sunday Curry Evenings, launching soon at The New Inn, Shalfleet. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for dates, menus, and booking details – this is one you won’t want to miss!