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Gareth began his career as a Commis Chef, working in restaurant and pub kitchens in the West Midlands after studying Food at college in Stafford. He worked his way up the career ladder with early highlights including cooking for the Queen for three years at the Chelsea Flower Show and at Royal Ascot, cooking for Prince Charles at an intimate dinner party of twelve, plus other A List celebrities.

In time he joined The Kingham Plough, owned and run by celebrity chef Emily Watkins. He became her Head Chef when she stepped aside to start a family and was part of the team that gleaned 2 AA Rosettes, a Michelin Bib Gourmande and critical acclaim from AA Gill.

In the summer of 2012, Fulford opened Purslane Restaurant in Cheltenham. In its short life span, has already gained recognition from top food critics, notably Jay Rayner and has consistently scored highly in the Good Food Guide (being ranked the 69th best restaurant in the country) and won accolades including Cotswold Life Chef of the Year.

Purslane was opened in July 2012 as the culmination of a lifelong dream for chef/patron Gareth Fulford, combining sustainably-caught British seafood with the best produce the Cotswolds has to offer. While the menu is seafood-led carnivores and vegetarians will always find delicious options to choose from. The fish itself is sourced from British waters and only from day-boat fishermen using hand-lines and gill nets, therefore preserving the seabed.

Purslane’s menu champions lesser-used fish such as megrim sole, red gurnard and silver mullet and is led by the catch available on the day.

Chef, Gareth and Restaurant Manager, Tegan combine their wealth of experience with their passion for fantastic food and wine to create a unique dining experience in a relaxed and friendly space.