A FORMER Malton chef has joined the team at York’s only five-star hotel.

The Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa has appointed Craig Atchinson as their new head chef. Moving from the Talbot Hotel, in Malton, where he worked with TV chef James Martin, Craig will lead the kitchen at York’s award-winning hotel.

The Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa currently has two restaurants – Hudson’s, which offers familiar dishes redefined with five-star flair, and HQ, known for its high end, fine dining experience.

Combining classical flavours with wide ranging modern techniques, Craig’s style is modern British cuisine with inspiration coming from the seasons and the fruit, vegetables and herbs each one brings.

Craig will be looking to build on his career highlights, which include achieving a Michelin “rising star” and three rosettes, while senior sous chef at Cotswold House, retaining three AA rosettes during his tenure at Swinton Park and setting up the kitchen at the Talbot Hotel.

Craig said: “It is a fantastic challenge to be the head chef at The Grand. The hotel has an enviable reputation for its high level of quality throughout, from the welcome to the facilities, so I know what is expected of both me and my team.

“York is a wonderful city to be working in and I am excited by this opportunity to welcome the people who live here as well as showcasing the finest of Yorkshire food to those visiting from further afield.”

Craig replaces Martin Henley who has taken a similar position at Holdsworth House Hotel, near Halifax, having been the head chef at The Grand since 2011.