Originally from the UK, Chef Charlie Layton traveled across the pond from Cornwall in 2018 to join his friend and fellow chef Ben Towill, whom he met and developed a great friendship with during Basic Projects’ renovation of the Ferryboat Inn, Ben’s brother’s 18th-century pub. He jumped right to it, taking the helm at Basic Kitchen, a hip and healthy spot in Charleston, SC. Part of the Basic Projects group, Basic Kitchen offers a rotating daily menu featuring simple, seasonal, and delightful dishes that focus on a rainbow of ingredients. Leading the helm at the sunny eatery, Charlie intertwines his love of veggies with creating playful, quality dishes that excite customers about eating better, from cauliflower wings to corn-ribs. With approachable dishes that highlight local ingredients, Charlie’s warmth and personality shines through his cooking and invite a broader audience to enjoy healthy eating.

The English-born chef will compete in the upcoming 2022 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, the world’s toughest cross-Atlantic rowing race, with the aim to raise funds for The Green Heart Project and 2041.