If L’Espalier is a symphony and Chef McClelland is the composer, then Chef de Cuisine James Hackney is the conductor. As Chef de Cuisine, Hackney brings a passion and precision for delicious culinary art that reflects the elegant interpretations of authentic New England flavors in French-styled cuisine for which L’Espalier has earned decades of accolades. His creativity is vital to the crafting of the menu, which changes daily. He has held top chef posts at distinguished, award-winning restaurants around the world, and in L’Espalier he continues in that tradition.
Chef Hackney’s upbringing in Leicestershire, England is evident in the distinctive British lilt that he retains from his relocation ‘across the pond.’ He grew up working in his parents’ Garden Hotel, a quaint rural country inn in the heart of the England countryside, where he learned all aspects of hands-on hospitality service and farm-to-table dining. It was his work in the kitchen that captured his imagination and inspired him to pursue a culinary career. After graduating from culinary school in England, James worked in the award-winning country-house hotel, Stapleford Park, a Bob Payton and Rick Tramonto property just outside London. He eventually made the decision to travel to the United States, where he worked at yet another award-winning establishment, the Blantyre, a Relais & Châteaux property in Lenox, MA. During the off-season he would move to Florida to work in Boca Raton’s La Vieille Maison and Charlie Palmer’s Palm Beach restaurant, Aquiterra.
Chef Hackney joined the L’Espalier team in 2001 where he has cooked alongside his mentor Proprietor Chef McClelland, often cooking for heads of state, royalty, corporate titans and stars of music and film. When he is not leading L’Espalier’s harmonious culinary team he enjoys his down time with his wife Alicia and their two young daughters in their Waltham home.
