"We love what we do", says The Rick Stein Group. "We provide great food in great places that make people happy."

Customers can enjoy the acclaimed 'Rick Stein experience' at its restaurants, cafes and pubs across Cornwall and beyond or take a break in its various guest accommodations. Fans of the food can book a cooking school experience or even use its online shop and tuck in from the comfort of their own home.

And it seems it's not just customers enjoying the experience. Five per cent of the team – which is more than 700-strong – have been with the company for over 10 years. And three-quarters of managers have been promoted internally.

The Group rewards loyalty through an increased holiday allowance – two extra days after two years' service and a whole week after five years. And all staff get a 50 per cent discount in the company's restaurants.

The Rick Stein Group prides itself on a fair, honest and team-spirited culture, not least its approach to pay. It pays above the National Living Wage for all roles and ages. And younger workers are paid much closer to the adult rate as the company recognises that age is no barrier to job success.

The service charge adds significantly to employees' earning potential. Worth around £3m annually, 100 per cent of it goes to the team. It's managed independently of the company to ensure the rewards are distributed amongst every team member, regardless of role.