Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Tom.jpg" alt="Tom Hill of Le Vin Perdu Ashburton " class="wp-image-74024" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Tom.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Tom-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Tom-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Tom-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Not yet tucked into the rotisserie chicken at <a href="https://www.levinperdu.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Vin Perdu</a>? You&#8217;re missing out. It&#8217;s the moistest, tastiest bird you&#8217;ll ever try, and the roast spuds &#8211; don&#8217;t get me started (read <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/muddy-review-le-vin-perdu-ashburton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our review</a> instead). With a French café vibe, and a lovely laidback bar where you wouldn&#8217;t feel awkward downing a cocktail, even on your own, it&#8217;s unique to Devon, never mind sleepy old Ashburton.</p>



<p>Tom Hill, who co-owns Le Vin Perdu with business partner Clare Lattin, is a British chef renowned for his commitment to simple, seasonal cooking who honed his skills under esteemed figures such as Mitch Tonks, Mark Hix, and Ed Wilson.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="962" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vin-perdu4.jpeg" alt="Le Vin Perdu Ashburton" class="wp-image-70843" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vin-perdu4.jpeg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vin-perdu4-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vin-perdu4-1000x668.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vin-perdu4-768x513.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></figure>



<p>In 2012, Tom joined Ducksoup, the celebrated Soho restaurant and, together with Clare, went on to open Little Duck The Picklery in Dalston, along with <a href="https://www.emiliaashburton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Emilia</a>, their hugely popular Italian-inspired osteria, a few down from Le Vin Perdu in Ashburton. They also launched <a href="https://www.camillerestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Camille</a>, a French provincial-style restaurant in Borough Market, early in 2024, good to know if you&#8217;re up in the Big Smoke.</p>



<p>Tom is also known for his dedication to sustainable sourcing, often working directly with farmers and producers to highlight the best of British and European ingredients across his menus.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hi-tom-sum-up-your-cooking-style-food-philosophy">Hi Tom! Sum up your cooking style/food philosophy.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/chicken.jpg" alt="rotisserie chicken at Le Vin Perdu Ashburton " class="wp-image-74040" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/chicken.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/chicken-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/chicken-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Honest, ingredient-led, and rooted in simplicity. I want things to taste deeply of themselves: no fuss, just good technique, thoughtful sourcing, and a respect for tradition.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-people-walk-into-le-vin-perdu-what-should-they-expect">When people walk into Le Vin Perdu, what should they expect?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="908" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vinperd-6.jpeg" alt="Le Vin Perdu Ashburton" class="wp-image-70844" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vinperd-6.jpeg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vinperd-6-800x757.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/vinperd-6-768x726.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>A feeling that you have just stumbled into a local bistro in rural France &#8211; a warm and welcoming atmosphere.&nbsp;A great place for a glass of wine, and some simple plate of food. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-you-aiming-to-be-in-the-michelin-guide-like-your-sister-restaurant-emilia">Are you aiming to be in the Michelin guide like your sister restaurant, Emilia?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-scaled.jpg" alt="bar at Le Vin Perdu Ashburton " class="wp-image-74042" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Bar-1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>We have recently been included in the Michelin guide which we are very pleased about.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-get-started-as-a-chef">How did you get started as a chef?</h2>



<p>I&#8217;ve always had a passion for food and cooking ever since watching Keith Floyd when I was young, so I knew that when I was older I wanted to get a job in a kitchen and become a chef. &nbsp;I was lucky enough to get a job as a commis chef even though I had no formal training, but just a passion for food and cooking. As soon as I started in the kitchen, I knew this was the job for me.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-sums-up-your-favourite-type-of-cuisine">What sums up your favourite type of cuisine?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Cuttlefish.jpg" alt="Cuttlefish dish at Le Vin Perdu Ashburton " class="wp-image-74028" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Cuttlefish.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Cuttlefish-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Cuttlefish-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/Cuttlefish-768x1152.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Anything that’s gutsy, seasonal, and full of soul. Whether it’s a perfect plate of pasta, a beautifully cooked piece of fish, or a simple roast chicken. I love Asian food with all the spice and aromatic flavours.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-a-favourite-chef">Do you have a favourite chef?</h2>



<p>Not one favourite, but a few that have inspired me with their respect and passion for food: Keith Floyd, Simon Hopkinson, Rick stein, Gill Mellor, Elizabeth David, Pierre Koffman, Ruth Roger’s and Rose gray from the River Café.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-a-favourite-cookbook">What about a favourite cookbook?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="765" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ripailles-765x1000.jpg" alt="Ripailles by Stephane Reynaud " class="wp-image-74031" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ripailles-765x1000.jpg 765w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ripailles-612x800.jpg 612w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ripailles-768x1004.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ripailles.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px" /></figure>



<p>Again, it’s very difficult to name one, but books I always like to pick up for a&nbsp;bit of inspiration for French food &nbsp;are are Pierre Koffman&#8217;s <em>Memories of Gascony </em>and Stéphane Reynaud&#8217;s <em>Ripailles</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-desert-island-kitchen-gadget">Desert island kitchen gadget?</h2>



<p>A really good knife. You can do pretty much anything with that.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-favourite-local-cafe-restaurant-hotel">Favourite local café? Restaurant? Hotel?</h2>



<p>Best local restaurant/pub is the <a href="https://www.churchhouseinnharberton.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church House Inn</a> in Harberton. Really great food in a lovely old pub.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ever-cooked-for-any-celebs-seen-any-in-le-vin-perdu">Ever cooked for any celebs? Seen any in Le Vin Perdu</h2>



<p>We have had a few local celebs in I think&#8230;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-favourite-ingredient-and-why">What’s your favourite ingredient and why?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1388" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/roberta-sorge-uOBApnN_K7w-unsplash.jpg" alt="olive oil credit Roberta Sorge/Unsplash" class="wp-image-74032" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/roberta-sorge-uOBApnN_K7w-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/roberta-sorge-uOBApnN_K7w-unsplash-576x800.jpg 576w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/roberta-sorge-uOBApnN_K7w-unsplash-720x1000.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/roberta-sorge-uOBApnN_K7w-unsplash-768x1066.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Olive oil. It’s the backbone of so much good cooking. The difference between a great one and a bad one is night and day.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-one-mistake-do-inexperienced-cooks-tend-to-make">What one mistake do inexperienced cooks tend to make?</h2>



<p>Not seasoning properly. Either too little or too much. Taste, adjust, taste again.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-top-tip-for-a-brilliant-rotisserie-bird">What’s your top tip for a brilliant rotisserie bird?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/sladesdown-farm.jpg" alt="Credit Sladesdown Farm " class="wp-image-74035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/sladesdown-farm.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/sladesdown-farm-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/sladesdown-farm-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/sladesdown-farm-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Sladesdown Farm</figcaption></figure>



<p>Buy the best chicken you can get and season it well. We use a slow-grown Hubbard chicken from Sladesdown Farm just up the road from the restaurant. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-want-to-impress-a-hot-date-what-do-you-cook">You want to impress a hot date, what do you cook?</h2>



<p>Something simple but perfect. Maybe a beautiful piece of turbot with brown butter and capers, or a big bowl of silky handmade pasta. You want to be at the table, not sweating in the kitchen.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-you-re-tired-after-a-long-day-slaving-over-a-hot-oven-what-do-you-eat">You’re tired after a long day slaving over a hot oven. What do you eat?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="1190" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/interiorwithsunonwall.jpg" alt="bottle of wine at Le Vin Perdu Ashburton " class="wp-image-74038" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/interiorwithsunonwall.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/interiorwithsunonwall-645x800.jpg 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/interiorwithsunonwall-807x1000.jpg 807w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/interiorwithsunonwall-768x952.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>After a busy dinner shift on a Saturday night we always get the cheese out with some crusty bread, a few slices of salami and glass of red.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-you-make-of-chef-tv-shows">What do you make of chef TV shows?</h2>



<p>Some get it right, some don’t.&nbsp;<em>The Bear</em>&nbsp;gets the intensity, the camaraderie, and the chaos. Though thankfully, our kitchens are not stressful.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-one-dish-you-avoid-cooking-at-all-costs">What’s one dish you avoid cooking at all costs?</h2>



<p>Anything that requires fiddly plating. If it takes tweezers, I’m out.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.levinperdu.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Vin Perdu</a>, 11 West St, Ashburton, Newton Abbot TQ13 7DT.</em></strong> <strong><em>Email: info@levinperdu.co.uk. Tel: 01626927234. Open for dinner on Thursdays, lunch and dinner Friday &#8211; Saturday and an easy-going family Sunday lunch.</em></strong></p>


What’s cooking at Le Vin Perdu, Ashburton: Tom Hill

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