Jacob Dearie

Imagine your favorite meals meticulously crafted by a private chef in a paradise setting.

A stay at St Bernard’s Hill House is truly enhanced by delicious food prepared by world-class chefs, like Chef Jacob Dearie.

Originally from Oxford, England, Chef Jacob began his career at the world-renowned 2 Michelin Star Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

Now he’s based in the BVI and the founder of Dearie Catering, providing luxury private catering for private households and private islands throughout the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Caribbean.

Chef Jacob and his talented international team are available to cook for you at St Bernard’s Hill House.

Tell us about your culinary background, Chef Jacob.

I’ve been in the luxury hospitality industry for over 15 years. I began my career at the 2 Michelin-starred Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons in England. Since then, my career has taken me around the world, including Morocco, Switzerland and, of course, the Caribbean and BVI.

What brought you to the BVI?

Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons and Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island in the BVI, have a very close bond as Richard lives a stone’s throw from the restaurant. The first-ever head chef on Necker Island was the executive head chef of Le Manoir and I got a job at Necker too.

It was the best time of my life. It was hard work but an extremely fun time. Richard Branson is amazing.

Why did you stay?

I fell in love with the BVI. It’s absolutely beautiful, it’s nature’s little secret. It’s hard to get to so it’s not busy. It’s away from the world.

After Necker, I worked at Moskito Island for a few years. Then I spent a year as a private chef in the exclusive ski resort of Verbier, Switzerland. Four years ago, I decided to return to start my own private catering company.

The Dearie Catering chefs have all previously worked at high-end restaurants and as private chefs. We’ve been creating memorable dining experiences ever since.

You’ve been a chef for more than 15 years. What do you love most about it?

The creativity. I enjoy meeting new clients and guests every day, but I especially love taking raw ingredients that are grown in that part of the world and transforming them. Food nourishes you, but you can also be playful and artistic with it.

How would you describe your culinary style?

I focus on fresh, healthy, local ingredients and making them shine using both classic and modern techniques. I enjoy cooking a variety of cuisines but I’m passionate about showcasing the flavors of the BVI and letting nature do most of the work.

I like to take inspiration from the island and add a European twist. For example, one memorable dish that guests often talk about is the deconstructed Painkiller panna cotta – it’s inspired by the classic BVI Painkiller cocktail but reimagined as a dessert.

What are your favorite ingredients to work with?

We’re fortunate to have access to incredible seafood like lionfish, red snapper, golden eye snapper, tuna, and conch. The tropical fruits are amazing – mangoes, pineapples, bananas – and we use local vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

What makes St Bernard’s Hill House special?

The views are absolutely stunning! The kitchen is also fantastic, and there are some great dining locations throughout the property. The combination of breathtaking views, excellent facilities, and the intimate setting makes it one of my favorite places to cook.

What can guests expect?

We create completely bespoke menus for your group based on your favorite foods and dietary requirements. We like to personally present each dish to you and explain the ingredients and details. It shows our passion for our craft and creates a more intimate connection with you.

We can offer everything from fine dining three-course meals to Asian fusion, Caribbean BBQ, and more.

Do you offer any special food experiences beyond regular meals?

Absolutely. We offer cooking classes where you can learn how to make dishes like fresh pasta or sushi. We also offer cook-alongs with children.

If you’re celebrating a special event and you’re a group of 10 people, we can serve canapés customized to your tastes. We start with savory bites and finish with sweet treats.

A chef’s table can be set up so you can watch as the canapés are being prepared.

Our floating sushi bar is also a unique experience when you don’t want to sit down at a table. Instead, a variety of fresh sushi is served from a kayak in the pool.

We love creating interactive experiences that go beyond just serving food – cooking together and providing exceptional experiences creates wonderful memories that you take home.

Thank you, Chef Jacob.

Find out more about Dearie Catering at DearieCatering.com

St Bernard’s Hill House is a luxury villa set atop one of Tortola’s highest mountains.

Imagine feasting on your favorite foods made with the freshest ingredients, by the most talented chefs. Then sit back, gaze over the azure ocean, and feel the warm sun on your skin.

Paradise is waiting for you.

Get in touch with St Bernard’s Hill House concierge team to find out more at info@stbernardshillhouse.com