Chef Ricki Weston was promoted to the role of executive chef at Whatley Manor following Niall Keating’s departure at the end of December 2021. In his new role at the five red AA-star, 23-bedroom hotel near Malmesbury in Wiltshire, Weston will oversee the hotel’s food offerings, including the two Michelin-starred Dinin Room, Grey’s Brasserie, service, afternoon tea, private dining and events. The new menu for the Dining Room will be available on February 4 when the hotel reopens after a brief closure from January 27 to February 4.

Sue Williams, managing director, said: “We feel very fortunate to be moving into the next culinary division of Whatley under Ricki’s direction. Role brings a new focus on the best British ingredients and some interesting traditional cooking techniques, all of which complement each other perfectly. Ricki I’m thrilled to watch as he leads the team to bring more extraordinary dining experiences to our guests.”