Steven Smith, Chef Patron, Freemasons

Steven is the Chef Patron of the Freemasons at Wiswell. Born in nearby Blackburn, Steven learned his trade in some of the North’s top establishments before going solo and creating a true gastronomic experience in a stylish pub setting.

Industry recognition has been plentiful, from inclusion in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants, as the only pub to make the list; named the Waitrose Good Food Guide No.1 Pub, the only pub to receive a coveted seven out of ten; Winner of the Best Tourism Pub, the gold award at the Visit England Awards for Excellence 2014; Winner of Best Food Pub at Great British Pub Awards 2016. In addition, The Freemasons came in the top 25 for Square Meal’s Top 100 Restaurants and was included in MSN’s Best Pubs in the UK.

The Freemasons was named AA Restaurant of the Year 2017-18 and in 2018 retained its number 4 position in the Top 50 Gastropubs, having appeared in the top 5 for several years.  In 2019 The Freemasons improved on this position and moved to number 3 - making it not only one of the 3 best gastropubs in the UK but the best in the North of England. 

In 2019 Steve was named a Taste Lancashire Ambassador, in recognition of his culinary excellence and support of the county's Taste Lancashire activities, that champion Lancashire food and drink nationally and internationally.