The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, England’s oldest hotel, is proud to have appointed Leigh Evans as Executive Chef to take charge of its new fine dining restaurant, Abbey Row. The hospitality industry is in Evans’ blood, having grown up in his family run pub in Somerset. He joins The Old Bell Hotel having successfully worked in kitchens as a professional chef since the age of 16.

He climbed the culinary ladder in celebrated restaurants across the Southwest including four years at The Royal Crescent Bath. Following that he moved to The Chequers where he won two AA Rosettes and Gastropub of the year. As both General Manager and Head Chef at The Methuen Arms, he was awarded three AA Rosettes.

Speaking of his appointment Evans said: “I’m excited about the challenge of creating and developing a new fine dining experience for The Old Bell Hotel. I like to choose the best quality ingredients –local where possible – and use modern techniques to create a memorable and exciting dining experience for our guests.”

Owner, Kim Hanks added: “Food has always been the driving force behind our hotels. To have Executive Chef Leigh Evans join and lead our team will demonstrate that Wiltshire is the place to go for delicious and exciting cuisine. Leigh’s passion and creativity is exactly the experience the hotel wants to create at the new restaurant.”