ONE of the region’s leading chefs aims to take award-winning Teesdale hotel The Rose & Crown to even greater heights after being appointed head chef.

David Hunter joins after 14 years at sister hotel Headlam Hall, near Darlington - seven years as sous chef and latterly as the 4-star venue's head chef.

The Rose & Crown is one of the best known hotels in the region, and is situated on the village green in the upper Teesdale village of Romaldkirk, near Barnard Castle.

Read a review by Peter Barron, The Northern Echo Editor, of dinner at The Rose & Crown. 

It was bought two years ago by the Robinson family, who have farmed in the area for four generations.

Mr Hunter said “Having visited the Rose & Crown a few times I could see the huge potential to further enhance the excellent food offering and hopefully bring some of my passion for food to the plate.

"I am looking forward to creating an exciting fine-dining menu for the restaurant and some great pub-classics with a creative twist for the bar."