A talented young chef has joined the team at a free range farm and family attraction in Suffolk.

Jon Gay, pictured, one of East Anglia’s youngest head chefs, with a “reputation for big flavours and inspired dishes”, is relocating from Norfolk to Jimmy’s Farm in Wherstead.

Crowned “Norfolk Young Chef of the Future” in 2008, Mr Gay is hoping to develop the restaurant and shop into a “culinary centre of excellence”.

He said: “The farm is renowned for the quality of its produce, particularly the meat which has an exceptionally good flavour. All the animals are rare breeds which are slower to mature and have been ethically reared. The pigs live outdoors where they are free to root and forage; visitors to the farm can see what a contented, stress free life they have.

“The farm already uses fresh produce from its own garden and local suppliers but I will also be looking for artisan food producers; bakers, cheese makers, fish suppliers, creators of the best ice cream and foragers that stand out from the crowd and are not available through regular restaurant and farm shop suppliers. I want everyone who eats from the Jimmy’s Farm restaurant menu to be so delighted with their meal that they go straight to the farm shop to buy something similar to take home with them.”

Television farm Jimmy Doughty, who has developed a reputation for rare breed meat and using local suppliers, has welcomed Mr Gay to the team.

“Jon has a huge following for his imaginative, inspirational cooking,” he said.

“We have worked together on cookery demonstrations during farm events so I know that not only is he a prestigious chef, he is also fun to be with. I can’t wait to have him on board.”

Jimmy’s Farm is holding an unplugged live music evening tomorrow from 8pm.