In June of 2016 The Chainbridge reopened its doors under the ownership of Charles and Uta Rouse. The couple have set out to revitalise this beautiful venue, which is scenically located next to the River Usk, offering delicious gastro-style food and a warm family welcome.

Voice caught up with Charles in his very busy kitchen, to tell us what he loves most about being a chef. Here’s what he had to say:

So Charles, why did you decide to be a chef?
I’ve always had a love for food, ever since I was little. Also, I wanted to do something different to what my school colleagues were doing.

Throughout your 25-year career you have worked with many high-profile chefs, but where do you feel that you learnt to perfect your trade?
I think it’s a combination of everything merging together (where I’ve worked and trained). As soon I started my own catering company, Rouse Rengert Cuisine, I quickly learned to perfect my trade and developed my understanding of what it is to be a professional chef and businessman.

Who or what influences your style of cooking?
Although I was only nine when my grandfather Ernest Rouse died, I remember watching him cooking in our family restaurant every day – he was, and still is, a great influence.

What is your favourite thing to cook for the family at home?
Hmmmm, that’s a tricky one – well it has to be being able to sit back and relax and watch my wife cook for me, as her food is exceptional!

And what would you say is your signature dish?
Confit duck with brandy soaked cherries.

What’s the one thing in your kitchen that you can’t live without?
Cranked handled palette knife.

Name one food you think every person should try at least once?
Has to be a truffle.

Where’s your current favourite place to eat?
Combe House in Devon.

If you could cook for anyone famous, who would it be and why?
One day I’d like to be good enough to cook for the Queen.

Although your kitchen team is quite young, they are dedicated to achieving perfection: how hard is it to maintain the high standard of cooking that you are well-known for?
It can be very challenging, because perfecting something takes time. The dedication of the whole team to achieve and reach the goals we have set is something that I’m very proud of, their passion to learn and progress is inspiring.

We hear that you’re a firm believer in supporting local farms and food suppliers, why do you feel this is so important?
Yes of course – our local farms and food suppliers are the best in the country, we are very fortunate to have them in close reach. We use their quality products and get to enhance them in our dishes, especially Black Welsh Beef.

The menu changes seasonally at The Chainbridge, so what can people expect on the new autumn menu?
We are really looking forward to our next season, and our menu will be dedicated to game, fish dishes, such as monkfish and pancetta cassoulet, and of course, plenty of vegetarian dishes too.

You have already attracted people from all over the country, and further afield – what do you think makes them venture out to this countryside dining destination?
I think it’s because people can get excellent quality food at a great value-for-money price. Where else can you enjoy a freshly prepared locally-sourced three-course menu with top ingredients for under £28, and also absorb the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the River Usk?

For anyone who has never visited The Chainbridge before, what dish would you recommend?
A very difficult question, I would recommend the goat’s cheese mousse as a starter, my signature dish of confit duck as the main, and for dessert a chocolate fondant with Tia Maria and Lavazza espresso.

As well as offering fantastic food, what else is there to do when visiting The Chainbridge?
We offer loads of events which all the family can enjoy. Coming up is our Cider Festival on August 12, and Oktoberfest on September 17. We also have live Sunday Lunch entertainment at least once a month, and a fantastic new cocktail menu for people to try.

And, if you are interested in learning to cook a three-course Christmas lunch for your loved ones this year, we are going to offer cookery classes from the beginning of October.

Finally, why should people visit The Chainbridge this summer?
If you’re a passionate lover of food, where taste and full flavours are paramount, then you simply must come and try our exciting menu.

So, if you want to sample fine gastrostyle food at a beautiful country location,
make your way to The Chainbridge Inn located on Chain Bridge Road, Kemeys
Commander, Usk NP15 1PP.

To book a table call 01873 881317. For further information and to view sample menus visit chainbridgeusk.co.uk