DAVID David grew up the son of a Butcher, and after leaving school went to work in London as an apprentice chef in the early seventies. This was at the very time cooking was changing in England, Anton Mossaman had just become the youngest head chef at The Dorchester & The Ritz Hotel had it’s first ever English head chef. David worked at the Park Lane, Waldorf & Inn on the Park Hotels, whilst also studying catering at Croydon Collage. In the late 70’s David left England to work abroad working for Celebrities in Places like The Hamilton Princess Hotel In Bermuda, Lyford Cay Yacht Club in the Bahamas, & for the Saudi Family in Dhahran Saudi Arabia cooking for Foreign Diplomats & the Kings, European Guests. David returned to the UK in the mid 80’s when he went to work at Eastwell manor in Kent & gained many awards including a Coveted Michelin Star. From here he became Head Chef at 2 of Pride of Britain’s hotels gaining further AA rosettes Good Food Guide & Michelin awards. In 1991 Mary David's partner, their daughter Rachel & assistant chef Marc all arrived in sleepy Shaftesbury. Married Mary in 2009 after 22 years living together (Didn't want to rush into anything) MARY Mary grew up a farmers Daughter in the quiet hamlet of Coryton near Lewdown in Devon, where her mum also ran a Bed & Breakfast, In the holidays Mary would work part time in the local hotel. Shortly after leaving school she married a local farmer & had a daughter called Rachel, Circumstances changed for Mary in the mid eighties & Mary went back to work part time at the local hotel called Lewtrenchard Manor (Of “Sabiine Baring-Gould” & “Onward Christian Soldiers” Fame) and here she met David. MARC Marc Grew up in Stanford Le Hope in Essex & when he left school went to college in Thurrock to study his love of cooking. When he left college Marc went to work in the kitchens of the famous Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London & gained much experience catering for very large numbers as well as the “Rich & Famous”. In 1985 Marc decided he mised the countryside too much & so moved to the Devon\Cornwall borders to work as second chef at Lewtrenchard Manor. Here he met David (Head Chef) & Mary as restaurant manager. In 1991 the 3 of us left Devon for Shaftesbury to pursue our dreams of running our own place.

THE HISTORY OF

Upon our arrival in Shaftesbury in 1991 with much help from the very friendly natives (except for the banks who said we would never survive!! Some things never change) we opened La Fleur de Lys in Salisbury Street Shaftesbury. A lovely small intimate 30 cover restaurant overlooking the Blackmore Vale, Focusing on Freshly cooked, Nicely presented food using the finest Local Produce. During the next 12 years we achieved much fame with Articles in the Times, Telegraph & Guardian Newspapers, AA Rosettes, Good Food Guide & Michelin recognition as well as being voted one of the Sunday Times top 200 Best Restaurants in England. We love Shaftesbury & Shaftesbury Loved us but always looking to move things forward in 2003 we brought the old Sunridge Hotel in Bleke Street Shaftesbury & set about creating a stylish Restaurant with Rooms in this former Girls Boarding House. This was a major Challenge & no mean feat given this rather shabby, uncared for building was in need of major work, (Once again the banks said we would never be able to achieve our aim) We are Just starting our 31st year since our arrival, our daughter all grown up & expecting our first grandchild, we have a thriving Business based on Quality & Service, (Many of our guests have been with us since we arrived in Shaftesbury) We take pride in supporting our Local Farmers & suppliers who produce some of the finest produce to be found in England, and have created a wonderful place to stay & eat at La Fleur de Lys, (Don’t take our word check out the Internet or ask the locals) However we do not sit on our Laurels & continue to strive for Quality & Value for Money even in these more Challenging Times. David, Mary, Marc & all the Staff at La Fleur de Lys offer you some of the finest Hospitality whether you are looking for a comfortable room for the night, an intimate candlelit dinner or a small celebration party you can be confident we will take care of you. LOOK OUT for our Special DEALS or join us on Facebook.

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