Ben Hall - chef / owner

Born and raised in Shrewsbury. Ben’s passion for cooking ignited during his formative years, where he pursued formal culinary training at Birmingham College. At the age of 18, Ben took a bold step, leaving the comforts of home to embark on a professional adventure in Devon. He joined the esteemed kitchen at ‘The Elephant’ in Torquay, a restaurant celebrated for its innovative approach to fine dining and Ben;s first experience in a Michelin kitchen. This experience not only solidified his commitment to the culinary arts but also introduced him to the high standards and meticulous attention to detail that characterise Michelin-starred establishments. Ben's journey continued under the mentorship of renowned chef Michael Wignall at The Latymer. Here, he thrived in an environment that boasted two Michelin stars and five prestigious rosettes. His career trajectory led him to the luxurious Coworth Park Hotel, part of the Dorchester Collection, where he contributed to the hotels exacting standards and forward thinking approach to dining.

Ben's next chapter unfolded at Kitchen W8 in Kensington, His creativity and dedication to the craft were instrumental in elevating the restaurant's reputation, showcasing his ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary flair.Most recently, Ben took on the role of sous chef at Gidleigh Park in Devon, a restaurant renowned for its two Michelin stars and five rosettes.. Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft, continually pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation. His journey from Shrewsbury to Michelin-starred kitchens is a testament to his dedication, talent, and love for the culinary arts. Opening The Walrus, and now being featured in the prestigious Michelin guide is certainly a dream come true, and alongside Carla , he remains focused on creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate the beauty of seasonality and local produce in a relaxed fine dining atmosphere at the Walrus.

CARLA ERNST - chef / owner

With a diverse background spanning business, event management, and culinary arts, Carla  has always been driven by a passion for food, cooking, and hospitality. After earning a university degree in business and English, she embarked on a gap year adventure that led to a formative experience working on a small farm in England, where she learned hands-on butchery skills and the art of raising livestock.

Fueled by this newfound knowledge, she went on to pursue a culinary diploma at the renowned Ashburton Cookery School in Devon. This training laid the foundation for an impressive career in the hospitality industry, with roles at prestigious establishments like Ilsington Country House Hotel and the acclaimed Gidleigh Park. It was at the latter that she had the opportunity to collaborate with Ben, further honing her culinary experience.

Carla continues to blend her business acumen and creative flair, realising a lifelong dream of opening her own restaurant. With a particular passion for designing and making ice creams and sorbets, she remains committed to elevating the culinary experience through their innovative dishes and exceptional service at the Walrus.

Ivalina Ivanova - general manager

Passionate about hospitality from the start, Iva has been part of the Walrus team since its inception, helping to shape the restaurant's acclaimed service and dining experience. With over a decade of industry experience, including stints as head housekeeper and food and beverage manager across Shropshire, Iva’s expertise and keen eye for detail are unparalleled. As the Walrus's general manager, she loves interacting with the Walrus guests, curating their wine pairings and working alongside their suppliers to make sure everything is to the highest standard. She also takes her job as chief menu taster incredibly seriously! The beef tartare being a particular favourite she can't resist. 

When she's not running the show day to day at the Walrus, and overseeing the Walrus’s incredible front of house team, you'll find Iva playing basketball or exploring cities up and down the UK, always on the lookout for new people, food and experiences to inspire her passion for hospitality.