Despite the questionable weather and the threat of Storm Ciarán, Chaplin House in Bude was packed out to mark the launch of a Bude-based chef’s debut book this week.

Chef Dave Sargent, from Bude, has marked the launch of his debut book, A Private Table: Recipes & Thoughts of a Private Chef, with a local event. 

The book offers a twist on the usual cook book, offering not only recipes but also insight into the work of a private chef. 

Dave has worked in the role for 16 years, working as a commercial chef for 11 more. 

Since getting his first restaurant job at 14, Dave hasn’t looked back.

The evening’s launch event saw music, drinks, and lots of excited discussion. Dave also gave an interview to mark the book’s launch. 

He said: “My mum started my love for food, I always wanted to do something a bit different.

“Now I get to travel round, cook, and meet interesting people, what more could I want?” 

When asked why he decided to write a book, Dave explained: “One reason for the book was to prove to my kids that you can do anything, if I can write a book, then anyone can write a book really, you just need a lot of hard work.”