VIETNAMESE cuisine has come to a West Yorkshire pub as new executive chef Loc Bui settles into his role.

Loc, who previously, ran a restaurant in Ilkley, says he is thrilled to be introducing his exciting menu to food lovers at The Turkey Inn, in Goose Eye, near Keighley.

He joined the pub at the end of August to take on the role after being recruited by owners Steve Mortimer and Fay Howell. Steve said he was equally delighted to have secured Loc's expertise.

“Loc has a great reputation locally and his vision for how a menu should look and a kitchen operate directly matched our plans for the pub. He’s been a great addition to The Turkey Inn team,” said Steve.

Loc added: “When I heard about the role, I was excited. “I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years. This position draws on all my hospitality experience. The Turkey Inn, is a true, traditional Yorkshire pub, known for serving great food and the best locally brewed ales. This was a good opportunity to join a hardworking and passionate team with a great customer base. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. I can’t wait to get stuck in."

Loc’s culinary exploits are well-known in the county. He owned and operated a successful Vietnamese restaurant, Bistro Saigon, in Ilkley before the coronavirus pandemic orchestrated a change of plan.

He said he was was working long hours running his own business, and with a young family, and wanted to make some changes. It was enforced time off during lockdown which allowed time for reflection.

A successful private chef and cooking class business followed and proved very popular with Ilkley locals.

He said: “Business took off. It made me realise how much I enjoy sharing my passion and teaching people how to cook.”

Loc’s desire to share his passion for cooking is another reason he felt drawn to the role at Goose Eye adding: “There is some young and exciting talent in the kitchen at The Turkey Inn – sharing my knowledge and skills with them is a wonderful opportunity. It’s a role I couldn’t turn down.”

Loc’s new menu has now launched and fans of his Vietnamese cuisine will recognise some signature dishes. 

We’ve kept lots of the pub’s popular dishes have been kept and a choice of some new flavours with fresh Vietnamese tastes have been added.

He said the menu so far has been getting a great reception.