A CHEF known for his fantastic Sunday roasts has offered some tips for anyone who finds themself in charge of the kitchen on December 25.
The Wheelbarrow Castle opened in August and has become a very popular spot in the hamlet of Radford, near Inkberrow.
Stuart Pretty was headhunted by the owners to become the business's head chef.
He said: "They came to me and said they had this opportunity and they were interested in launching it with me."
Mr Pretty has been a chef for two decades and before joining the team in Radford worked in Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Devon as well as running his own businesses.
When the restaurant first opened, Mr Stuart and his team were serving carveries every Sunday but decided to change to a different method recently.
"Sunday is our most popular day and most chefs can mass produce and serve a carvery," co-owner Justin Bradley said.
"Our team can do more than that and that is why we decided to switch to a made-to-order roast offering."
(Image: Newsquest)
The Wheelbarrow Castle's incredible Sunday offerings earned them a spot on Worcester News's list of the best locations for a roast in the county.
"It is a team game, I have got a great time here who have all worked with me on and off throughout the years and we have been very lucky so far in getting good results," the head chef said.
Read more: Inside the new family-run cafe in St John's
Read more: Guinness provider issues update amid national shortages
Mr Pretty has now offered his best advice for anyone making their own roast for Christmas Dinner on Wednesday: "It is all in the planning really.
"Just the simple stuff like boiling the potatoes properly, chuffing up the potatoes (this is shaking them in the colander to rough up the edges before roasting) to give them nice crispy edges.
"Take a bit of care with everything you do, you can make all of your sauces and stocks for the meal."
However, Mr Pretty was clear on what the most important part of a successful roast is: "It is the quality of the ingredients.
"You've got to put a bit of work into it and instead of cutting corners.
"Make sure you do the best with what is available to you."