Stosie Madi, AYALA Squaremeal Female Chef Series 2024

Stosie Madi

Gastropubs have become a cherished part of the dining landscape, offering the warmth of a pub with the culinary quality of a fine restaurant. A standout example is The Parker’s Arms, located in Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire, run by Stosie Madi. Stosie’s journey to becoming one of the UK’s top gastropub chefs is unique and compelling, shaped by her diverse background and unwavering determination.

Born in Senegal to a British father and a French mother, with Lebanese roots on both sides, Stosie’s multicultural upbringing has greatly influenced her cooking. She grew up in The Gambia, where her family ran hospitality businesses, though she didn’t cook professionally at first. Her mother, a Cordon Bleu-trained cook, fostered Stosie’s love for food at home. However, political unrest in The Gambia, including a military coup in 1994, prompted Stosie to seek a safer environment for her family. In 2000, she moved to the UK with her adopted daughter Laudy to start a new chapter.

Stosie opened her first restaurant in Clitheroe, called Weezos, but its small size and difficulties with planning permission led her to seek a new opportunity. She found it in The Parkers Arms, a run-down pub in the quiet village of Newton-in-Bowland. At first glance, the location seemed unpromising, but Stosie saw potential in its picturesque surroundings and decided to transform it. She introduced a small, seasonal menu that highlighted local produce while incorporating her French, Lebanese, and West African influences.

The transition wasn’t easy. Locals, accustomed to traditional pub fare, were initially skeptical of her innovative dishes. On their first Sunday, patrons expecting a carvery were instead greeted with beautifully crafted seasonal dishes, much to their surprise. The first five years were challenging, with cold winter nights often seeing only a couple of customers. However, Stosie’s resilience and passion kept her going. She turned to social media to spread the word, and gradually, The Parkers Arms began attracting attention beyond its remote location.

A key turning point came when Jay Rayner of The Guardian visited and wrote about Stosie’s «gutsy Lebanese sausages,» bringing the pub into the national spotlight. Over time, The Parker’s Arms garnered recognition in prestigious restaurant rankings, including the SquareMeal Top 100 UK Restaurants list, where it ranks among the best in the country. The pub also gained further visibility through an appearance on Hairy Bikers Go North, where Stosie taught the hosts to make her now-famous pies.

Despite its success, The Parker’s Arms has remained unpretentious and welcoming. The menu is affordable, with a three-course meal priced at £50. Stosie’s cooking blends simplicity with complexity, drawing from her heritage and using local ingredients to craft unforgettable dishes. Her gastropub is a place where fine dining meets a relaxed, homely atmosphere. As she puts it, “When you come to The Parkers, it should be like coming home.”

Through hard work, creativity, and a deep connection to her roots, Stosie Madi has made The Parker’s Arms one of the UK’s most beloved gastropubs, offering exceptional food in a setting that feels like a community hub.