Meet the 24-year-old who became a Michelin star chef

The head chef at Brighton and Hove's only Michelin star restaurant said it was a "surreal experience" to receive the prestigious culinary award.

Ewan Waller's previous jobs include working at Pret A Manger before he landed the senior kitchen role at Maré, in Church Road.

The restaurant was opened in September last year by owner and chef Rafael Cagali.

The Michelin Guide said it had become the first starred restaurant in Brighton and Hove for nearly 50 years.

Waller, who lives in Hove but is originally from Southend in Essex, followed his passion for cooking, and trained as chef at college.

He said it was a dream come true to receive an invitation to the Michelin Guide ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where he was hopeful for a win.

"We went out and bought a bottle of champagne because we thought it could be the one. And two months later at the event, it was," he said.

"It was an amazing feeling."

Jake Garstang, 24, works as the restaurant's manager and sommelier, and said the average age of the staff was in theirs 20s.

"In 13 years of working in one- and two-star level, I've never really come across a head chef of that age," he said.

"It's a really extraordinary achievement for everybody that works here. We're all a still a little bit shell shocked."

Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, according to the Michelin Guide, looking at criteria including ingredient quality and how the chef's personality "shines through their cuisine."

While there is a high bar for excellence, Waller said he believed there was something for everybody at the restaurant.

"You can come into our restaurant, two people, and have an enjoyable time, spend £100, £50 each and leave full," he said.

"It's all about perspective. It's an experience you might not get anywhere else."

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