Jake Jones becomes new head chef of James Martin restaurant at the Talbot

Jake Jones has been appointed as head chef of the James Martin Restaurant at the Talbot Hotel in Malton in North Yorkshire.

Jones replaces Craig Atchinson, who recently took up a role as the head chef of the Cedar Court Grand hotel in York.

Jones joined the Talbot hotel in July 2012, having worked his way up to sous chef.

Prior to working at the Talbot, he worked at restaurants including the Michelin-starred L'Enclume in Cumbria. Alongside all the chefs at the Talbot he has received additional specific training, including in management. He was also a finalist in Young Chef of the Year competition.

General manager David Macdonald said: "Jake was absolutely our first choice to take over as head chef and I look forward to exciting times ahead as he continues to work alongside James raising our standards even higher."

Jones added: "It's the guests' pleasure and satisfaction that matters most to me. The kitchen is buzzing with enthusiasm and we've a great team, and I'm just enjoying the challenge of taking things forward."

James Martin, who has been instrumental in Jake's appointment said: "Jake's progression is testimony to the quality within our own team and to the training we give to all the chefs here, enabling them to learn and grow in our own kitchen."