AN Essex chef is bringing a taste of Miami to his traditional country pub with the help of a celebrity chef.Tony Keogh is owner of The Vine Inn in Black Notley and since he has been holidaying regularly in Florida has become good friends with a famous chef there.

AN Essex chef is bringing a taste of Miami to his traditional country pub with the help of a celebrity chef.

Tony Keogh is owner of The Vine Inn in Black Notley and since he has been holidaying regularly in Florida has become good friends with a famous chef there.

Frank Randazzo is the American equivalent of our Jamie Oliver and runs the Talula Restaurant in Miami Beach.

Mr Keogh became acquainted with him whilst on holiday two years ago and now visits Mr Randazzo's restaurant twice a year to help out and gain inspiration for his own menu.

He explained that eating out is a big thing in Miami, and restaurants have to live up the expectations of their clientele, who include famous people - during his last visit there, Mr Keogh spotted actors Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro out with director Oliver Stone.

Mr Keogh, who used to run the Old Crown with its Bush Bar in Messing, said: “The food in Miami is as good as it gets anywhere in the world. I'm always looking for new ideas.

“I love traditional meals but also like to intersperse them with new ideas. I'll try all sorts of things.”

Mr Keogh, who has run the Vine Inn since last summer, has now added Miami inspirations such as fusion salads and salmon with spring onions and warm noodles to his menu.