March 06

Hazlewood Castle is pleased to announce the appointment of a new head chef at the prestigious location.

French-born Valerie Hamelin has taken up the reins and brings with her years of experience in many top class restaurants. She said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and I'm looking forward to introducing my own ideas for dishes. My food is good value for money! "It's going to be a tough job maintaining the excellent reputation we have but I know I can do that and push us on to even greater fame for our food!"

The 28-year-old has been at Hazlewood Castle since February 2004 and works alongside partner Carl who is the kitchen's Sous Chef.

She added: "The cuisine will bring a Mediterranean experience to people who enjoy a great food experience but I will be introducing some classic French dishes too.

"I'm really happy to get a job like this at my age. I've worked with some fantastic Master Chefs over the years but this is a great chance to prove myself and make Restaurant Anise an even more wonderful eating experience."

Valerie has also notched some notable wins in top class cooking events including The League of Chefs Competition and made it as a finalist in the Elite Chef of the Year event.

Her career to date includes stints in top class eateries such as The Anthenauem Club and the RAC Club, both in London's Pall Mall, and a year on a six star cruise liner touring the world.

Valerie will also be running Masterclasses for people wanting to learn how to cook wonderful food.

Mr Brian Walker, Managing Director at Hazlewood Castle, said: "Valerie's appointment underlines our commitment to providing the very best in dining experiences and we are confident that she will be hugely successful in this new role.

"Customers old and new will be assured of our commitment to providing good, elegant food to discerning diners."

Hazlewood Castle is a top country hotel set in 77 acres of parkland and landscaped grounds between Leeds and York. Its busy restaurant is hugely popular and the venue is admired as a wedding and conference centre where people enjoy the sympathetically restored castle.

NOTE TO NEWSDESK

For more information contact Natalie Sykes on (01937) 535353.

Restaurant Anise

The restaurant has recently undergone a stylish refurbishment, making it one of the most desirable dining atmospheres in Yorkshire.

It draws inspiration from the French Riviera, complete with an elegant terrace overlooking the Castle's majestic grounds, and inside paintings and prints, bespoke leather seating, black ash tables, exposed stonework and original beams all contribute to its chic, though rustic, ambience.

Head chef Valerie Hamelin was born and raised in the Loire Valley. She brings a wealth of experience along with a fine selection of native dishes. The seasonally varied and locally-sourced menu is Mediterranean influenced with a contemporary twist of daily specials to ensure that constantly surpasses expectations.

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