Naramata Inn Welcomes New Inn Chef Jacob Deacon-Evans
Local Farm-to-Table Champion to Continue Naramata Inn’s Hyper-Local Mission
Naramata Inn and Columbia Hospitality has announced that Chef Jacob Deacon-Evans has been appointed as the Inn Chef at the 115-year-old heritage property. Deacon-Evans has an extensive culinary career which all began at the small Robinson Road Bistro in Naramata at age 16. At the Naramata Inn, Jacob picks up the torch from Ned Bell who launched the restaurant 3 years ago.
Jacob’s experience spans some of the best restaurants on both sides of the Atlantic. Vancouver’s West, Bishops, Cioppinos, Wildebeest; Supermarine, and London’s Michelin starred L’autre pied. Most recently, Deacon-Evans has returned to his Okanagan roots, as one of the culinary leaders at the highly recognized Row 14 at Klippers in Cawston. Jacob’s commitment to hyper-local, hyper-seasonal ingredients, farmers and suppliers perfectly complement the culinary vision Bell set forth when launching the re-imagined Naramata Inn in 2020.
As the culinary season springs forth, Inn diners can anticipate dishes like Quail & Beets with confit “lollipop” and onion soubise; and “Ted’s Trout” & Dill – all a testament to Naramata’s Inn’s ongoing mission to bring the best of the Okanagan’s gastronomy, lifestyle and artisanship to the world.
“Naramata is a magical place and I’m just buzzing to be part of the Naramata Inn,” shares Deacon-Evans. “I’m thrilled to help build upon its exceptional culinary reputation and to continue to share the best of the Okanagan with guests from all over Canada and the world.”
Ned Bell and Kate Colley will remain shareholders in Naramata Inn as they step away from their day-to-day roles in April. Bell’s passion for supporting “local, regional and seasonal” continues as he refocuses his efforts as a sustainable seafood and buy-local advocate, and culinary + hospitality consultant at Hatch Hospitality.
About Naramata Inn
Constructed 115 years ago by the town founder, J.M. Robinson, the Naramata Inn would welcome some of the Okanagan’s very first tourists and go on to weave a colourful thread throughout Naramata’s history. Naramata Inn is still making headlines as the best way to enjoy the full bounty of the Okanagan Valley. The 12 room Inn delivers a proudly “Naramatian” experience – from the best local growers and artisans in Naramata and the Valley, showcasing the true depth and breadth of award-winning wines produced by British Columbia’s winemakers. Naramata Inn is owned by Paul Hollands, Maria Wiesner, Ned Bell and Kate Colley under the Naramata Hospitality Limited Partnership umbrella. Naramata Inn is operated by Columbia Hospitality.
Learn more at naramatainn.com and connect via Facebook at facebook.com/naramatainn or Instagram @naramatainn.
About Columbia Hospitality
Columbia Hospitality (Columbia) is a North American management and consulting company established in 1995 by founder and CEO John Oppenheimer. Their growing portfolio includes award-winning hotels and resorts, premier residential communities, restaurants and bars, private and public golf clubs, conference centers, and distinctive venues. Columbia creates exceptional experiences for guests and team members while achieving phenomenal results for property owners. Columbia has also consulted on hundreds of hospitality projects worldwide, delivering a high level of customized service to partners and investors. For more information about Columbia and to view the entire portfolio, visit columbiahospitality.com.
