Meat The Team: Sam

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on the other half of our Head Chef duo — Sam Beard. Known affectionately by the team as “Pam,” Sam has been part of The Falcon journey for over eight years.

He first joined us in 2017, before taking time to explore other opportunities to broaden his culinary skills. When he returned, it was as second-in-command, and from there he rose to his current role as joint Head Chef. Today, Sam is recognised for his dedication, creativity, and — most famously — his mastery of desserts. If you’ve ever had one of our indulgent sweet treats, there’s a good chance Sam had a hand in it.

Life Beyond The Falcon

Outside the kitchen, Sam is every bit as inspiring. Over the past four years, he’s undergone a remarkable fitness journey — shedding over seven stone, running marathons, and proving his unstoppable determination.

He’s also a devoted family man, embracing fatherhood to Freddie and preparing to tie the knot with his fiancée, Ellie. Between family life, marathon training, and running the kitchen, Sam somehow still finds time to bring his best energy to every service.

Sam’s Falcon Favourites

When asked what he’d order from the menu, here’s what Sam chose:

• Starter: Homemade Scotch Egg with Red Onion Jam & Mustard-Mayo

• Steak: 16oz Ribeye, Medium Rare

• Sides: Pesto-Roasted Plum Tomatoes & Creamed Wild Mushrooms

• Large Side: Chunky Chips

• Extras: Definitely Falcon Beef Dripping!

• Dessert: Banoffee Pie

• Drink of Choice: A Thatcher's Cider (Gold, Haze, or Katy — he’s not fussy)

What Sam Loves About The Falcon

For Sam, it all comes down to the people:

“It’s the people I work with. Everyone is incredibly supportive, and together, we strive to make The Falcon the best it can be. The front-of-house team communicates seamlessly with us in the kitchen, and our current kitchen team is the strongest I’ve ever worked with in my years as a chef.”

A Final Word

While Bean brings bold flavours and a larger-than-life presence to the pass, Sam balances the partnership with precision, creativity, and a flair for desserts that guests can’t get enough of. Together, they lead the kitchen with a mix of experience, humour, and passion — and it’s that balance that keeps The Falcon’s food at the top of its game.