New head chef for Historic House Hotels' Middlethorpe Hall

Ashley Binder has been promoted to head chef at the four-red-AA-star, 29-bedroom Middlethorpe Hall in York.

He replaces Nicholas Evans, who was head chef for nine years and has now gone to work for PH Hotels.

Binder joined the 17th-century Middlethorpe Hall in 2008 as chef de partie before working his way up to sous chef. He previously worked with Tom Van Zeller in Harrogate.

As part of the team at the hotel's 60-cover restaurant, Binder has played a key role in winning the Restaurant of the Year accolade both in 2013 and 2015 at the Visit York Awards.

Binder said he was delighted to uphold "the long-established reputation for traditional excellence for food" at Middlethorpe Hall.

"My long experience with the company means that I believe I understand our guests' expectations and requirements, and my Yorkshire roots will allow me to increase even further our relationship with the fantastic local farmers, fishmongers and butchers. I am also very keen to work closely with the garden team here to make more use of the fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables from the potager".

Lionel Chatard, Middlethorpe's general manager, added that he has "complete confidence" of Bider's success in his new role. "It is always a proud moment for an employer to see one's employee learn, develop and flourish over the years and to be able to support them in achieving their professional goal."

Located within a 20-acre estate, Middlethorpe Hall is one of three properties operated by Historic House Hotels which were gifted to the National Trust in 2008.

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