A rising star cook aged just 18 is making a splash after being appointed the head chef of a restaurant on the Norfolk Broads. 

Anya Robinson joined the kitchen team at The Granary Ranworth restaurant in April this year as the sous chef under Josh Mahoney.

Steve and Penny Gray have run the site, which overlooks Malthouse Broad, for 15 years and in March 2023 they launched the restaurant as an evening offering in their tea rooms, which are open during the day. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Granary Ranworth overlooks Malthouse Broad Picture: Denise BradleyThe Granary Ranworth overlooks Malthouse Broad Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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It underwent a major makeover ahead of the reopening, which included fresh decor and a new kitchen, and the site also has a general store. 

Mr Gray said: "It is important to diversify to keep going and it has been a lot quieter on the Norfolk Broads recently, which is probably a combination of a few factors such as the cost of living crisis and terrible weather."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Anya Robinson, 18, is the new head chef at The Granary Ranworth Picture: Denise BradleyAnya Robinson, 18, is the new head chef at The Granary Ranworth Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Mahoney recently left the kitchen, with the couple thanking him for "getting the restaurant up and running", and it reopened on August 23 after five days of closure for transition as Miss Robinson took on her new role of head chef. 

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Great Yarmouth Mercury: A seabass dish on the menu at The Granary Ranworth A seabass dish on the menu at The Granary Ranworth (Image: The Granary Ranworth)

The current menu at The Granary Ranworth includes steak, pork belly, curry and seabass. 

Miss Robinson said: "I am looking forward to upgrading the current menu soon.

"Until then I will be doing specials that may make a return on the new menu - we are striving to deliver great customer service and fresh, quality food."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Anya Robinson, 18, has been promoted from sous chef to head chef Picture: Denise BradleyAnya Robinson, 18, has been promoted from sous chef to head chef Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Newsquest)

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She previously studied at City College Norwich and has run her own sweet treats business called Baked by Anya since she was 16.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Inside the recently refurbished Granary Ranworth restaurant, which is a tea room during the day Picture: Denise BradleyInside the recently refurbished Granary Ranworth restaurant, which is a tea room during the day Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Mr Gray added: "Before, Anya would take over on Josh's days off and she also got rave reviews for her food.

"She took over on Wednesday this week and we were fully booked and she got a standing ovation - she is going to go a long way." 

The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5.30pm to 9pm.