About Ashley McCarthy
Chef Consultant and Chocolatier
Ashley McCarthy is a professionally trained chef and self-taught maverick chocolatier. He gained his love for the art of food from his family background in bakery and catering. This is where Ashley’s passion began and hasn’t stopped since. McCarthy has worked under and alongside some of the country’s most notable chefs. Ashley really learned a lot during this time and has helped him become the chef he is today.
Ashley McCarthy is a professionally trained chef and self-taught maverick chocolatier. He gained his love for the art of food from his family background in bakery and catering. This is where Ashley’s passion began and hasn’t stopped since. McCarthy has worked under and alongside some of the country’s most notable chefs. Ashley really learned a lot during this time and has helped him become the chef he is today.
When it comes to choosing ingredients for his many amazing creations he has a passion for making sure he uses local produce, suppliers and seasonal ingredients. This ensures everything he creates is of the upmost quality.
Ashley has also been accredited with numerous national and regional awards. These include, but aren’t limited to, National Chef of the Year and National Licensee of the Year. Whilst he may not be in it for the awards, they sure do help!
As well as winning awards, Ashley also has been an independent judge for the British Institute of Innkeepers (BII) Licensee of the Year and the Parliamentary Chef of the Year competitions.
Ashley got to prove his incredible abilities as a chef and a chocolatier when he was featured on Channel 4’s ‘Extreme Chocolate Makers’ and Channel 5’s ‘Kitchen Wars’ with Marco Pierre White, as well as featuring on various TV shows with his incredible chocolate sculptures.
He also worked in education where he enjoyed delivering NVQ teaching and assessment to young people at Thomas Danby College, Leeds. McCarthy is also a member of the Government’s advisory panel for apprenticeships in hospitality.
And last, but by no means least, Ashley McCarthy is the chef and owner of the multi award winning Ye Old Sun Inn, Colton. He has run and owned the business with his wife and business partner, Kelly McCarthy, for over 20 years. In 2024, Ashley & Kelly merged their Fairfax Distillery Brand that was established in 2020, into Fairfax Distillery & Chocolatiers. The Distillery and Chocolate Studio are both located within the premises of Ye Old Sun Inn, Colton.
