Lawrence Yates named head chef at Michelin-starred Box Tree

Executive chef Simon Gueller has named former Midsummer House chef Lawrence Yates as the new head chef of the Michelin-starred Box Tree in Ilkley West Yorkshire.

Yates is tasked with building his brigade, evolving the dishes and putting his own stamp on the menu at the well-regarded restaurant.

He joins with a wealth of experience of working in the kitchens of Michelin-starred establishments, including two stints at Daniel Clifford's two-star Midsummer House in Cambridge.

He has also worked at Mark Poynton's Alimentum restaurant, also in Cambridge, the Vineyard at Stockcross, Whatley Manor hotel, and the Connaught hotel.

Commenting on the appointment, Gueller said he is looking forward to working with Yates. "We have a lot in common regarding the style of food and the direction that we want to take the restaurant," he added.

Yates said: "I am excited at the prospect of this new challenge. The Box Tree has such a great reputation and it is an honour to be at the Helm working alongside Simon."