A TOP chef who has fed the Royal Family is looking to bring that touch of class to a new restaurant.

Sebastian Harris, 33, from Rayleigh, was head events chef at Buckingham Palace and has worked with big names in his career.

He’s now set to launch his own training scheme at Urban Fresh in Ramsden Heath.

After training with Jamie Oliver at his Fifteen restaurant in London, the south Essex chef worked with Marco Pierre White and Tom Akins.

He said: “It was amazing to work for the Royals and a good eye-opener.

“It was high pressured to make sure everything was spot on and it would take 30 minutes to get into the building with all the security.

“I feel very lucky and met the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William and they were all down to earth, normal people who like good food.

“I feel like I’ve done such a lot in a short time and feel proud of myself.

“I also feel I’ve still got a way to go. I am surprised by it all.

Echo:

“I’ve done the whole London lifestyle and look forward to bringing something different to this restaurant and my experience.”

His new appointment comes as bosses of the Bread and Cheese Pub in Benfleet and Urban Fresh Restaurant in Ramsden Heath have faced bills of almost £190,000 after a fire and overnight raid blighted the businesses, just weeks apart.

Steve Haslam who owns both sites felt he couldn’t take any more but can see a brighter future with Mr Harris on board.

He said: “He approached us while looking for something new and we are over the moon to have him with us.

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“He’s really excited to be joining us and is going to be building his own training scheme with apprentices and trainees.”

The Benfleet pub was hit by the blaze on November 10 with the fire casing £180,000 of damage and destroying storage buildings.

The Essex businessman has transformed both venues and Urban Fresh opened at the site of the White Horse, Heath Road in Ramsden Heath last month.

The venue opened after a £200,000 revamp and offers a south American theme.

Bosses say it has been created with fresh food at the forefront, including juicy steaks served alongside wines from Argentina and Chile.