Stephen Fitzpatrick - Chef Patron

Stephen has been cooking since 1982, after time served as an apprentice he moved swiftly through the ranks to head up some wonderful hotel kitchens in the Cotswolds achieving two rosette status at The Grapevine, Stow on the Wold and The Noel Arms, Chipping Campden.

Stephen returned to Leicester in 1999 to start the search for a business opportunity for himself and wife Tracy. Finally opening The Joiners in Bruntingthorpe in March 2002, followed by The Boot Room Eaterie which opened for business in the early part of August 2009.

Tom Carter - Head Chef

Tom is our newly installed Head Chef. After serving his apprenticeship and most of the past ten years with Steve at The Joiners Arms, Tom is now delighted to head up his own kitchen in the city centre and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

He will look to carry on the philosophy of sourcing good quality ingredients and cooking them well.

Tom is a keen Rugby fan as well as player, and when not playing for his beloved Lutterworth, he helps coach some of the junior teams.

Binka Caven - Restaurant Manager

After graduating from Loughborough School of art and design, Binka decided her love of fine wines and food would lead her to a life coping with miserable chefs and fussy restaurant owners.

Spending the early part of her career in South Leicestershire, her love of wine attracted her to The Case Restaurant, eventually gaining the position of restaurant manager.

Binka’s extensive wine knowledge, gained travelling through Italy and France, and her passion for good service will undoubtedly bring an added dimension to the Boot Room experience.

Binka spends a lot of her spare time tending her allotment, making flavoured vodkas and chutneys from the proceeds.