A NEW head chef has been appointed at The Black Swan in Helmsley.

Patrick Bardoulet spent the early years of his profession in his native France, completing a classical chef’s training before moving further afield and gaining extensive experience in a range of five star, Michelin and gastronomy restaurants in the UK as well as a variety of other countries, including Denmark, Ireland, Cyprus and Dubai.

More recently Patrick has maintained a consistent and exceptional level of 3AA rosette status, across a variety of establishments, and for the last 12 months has worked in the Middle East as executive head chef for private clients.

Numerous awards have been achieved by Patrick, including ‘AA Restaurant of the Year’, ‘Rural Chef of the Year’, ‘Eat Scotland Gold Award’ and ‘AA Hotel of the Year for Scotland'.

Paul O’ Hanlon, general manager at the Black Swan, said: "We aim to showcase Yorkshire’s finest quality of seasonal produce to an optimum level throughout the hotel, for weddings and other private functions, fine dining and also in the tearoom.

"Patrick’s passion, experience and cosmopolitan flair, will bring exciting flavour combinations to our Modern British menus. Our aim is to deliver excellent dining of the best calibre, yet with a realistic bill at the end of the night.’ Mr O'Hanlon added: "The Gallery’ restaurant has a dual function, diners, residents and non-residents alike, can enjoy the ambience of the stylish modern décor, with one of the finest collections of original works of art in the area."

For more information visit www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk