Meet The Team

ChrisBrookesFarmShop

Chris - Commercial Manager at NAZF Enterprises

A former Geophysicist, Catering Business Owner & Chef. With a passion for The great outdoors, wildlife, nature, horticulture, sustainability and educating other about all aspects of these. Sustainable food sourcing from high welfare meats to grow your own vegetables. Hobbies of Mountain Biking, walking and wild camping.

Luke&Jofarmshop

Luke - Retail Manager

I'm Luke Spicer and I'm the Retail Manager for Noah's Ark Zoo Enterprise. I've worked in the retail and leisure industry for over 20 years. I want to champion my community by sourcing local organic products for our farm shop. It's a real joy to meet fantastic food producers and shine a spotlight on their products. Outside of work, I like to visit other attractions to see their offerings, this helps Noah's Ark to be current and is a great place for inspiration. My day to day in this role can vary depending on the season. It's always a good day when I get new product samples to test, and especially when there's a new animal plush! Our most popular plush is our highland cow. When we had a highland cow born this spring, Hamish, those plush toys flew off the shelves.
Headchefgary

Gary - Head Chef

I’ve been working in the catering industry since I was 15, and over the years, I've been fortunate to experience a wide range of environments—from Michelin-starred pubs and restaurants to hotels and pop-ups across England. My journey has taken me through fast-paced, high-intensity kitchens, as well as providing personal dining experiences in private homes.

Before settling down, cooking was my entire focus. I moved around a lot, always seeking out like-minded people who shared my passion for food and cooking. I spent years reading cookbooks, fascinated by the "why" behind a chef's techniques and the stories that shaped each dish. My love for food also led me to meet other chefs, many of whom I bonded with over our shared love of dining out and exploring new culinary experiences, sometimes traveling abroad just to experience exceptional establishments.

Now, I’ve settled in Somerset, where I enjoy the rich local food culture and everything the area has to offer. Outside of work, I cherish time with my family—whether we're camping, walking, or attempting to grow vegetables (though the slugs seem to have other plans!).

I'm still as excited about catering as I was when I first started. Every year brings new challenges in the kitchen, motivating me to adapt, innovate, and push the boundaries of what we do. My journey has shaped not only my approach to food but my understanding of the ever-evolving nature of the culinary world.

Jo - Retail Assistant

Hi I’m Jo,

I’ve loved working in the farm shop since it opened in 2020. Getting to know local suppliers and their lovely products which we have brought to the shop. I especially love our local honey from Racecourse Farm Portbury where I have been lucky enough to visit with my younger daughter Bonnie to learn about the bees and have a bee keeping experience, which was amazing.

I have lived locally in Portishead for three years with my Husband and have three daughters. Before I came from long Ashton.

It’s great to work with the public and in my spare time I have my own catering business where I deliver cream/afternoon teas/grazing boards etc.

Along with a vintage mobile horsebox bar which I hire out.

Abbiefarmshop (1 Of 1)

Abbie - Retail Assistant

Hi I'm Abbie!

I work Friday and Saturday at the Farm Shop. I've held lots of retail positions in the past but particularly enjoy the friendly community at Noah’s Ark and the chance to improve my barista skills! In my spare time I enjoys roller skating, going to the cinema, and is also currently learning to skateboard.

My favourite product in The Farm Shop is the hog roast sausage roll!

Vegetables