Christopher Delaney appointed head chef of Lumley Castle hotel

Christopher Delaney has joined Lumley Castle hotel in Chester le Street, near durham, as its new head chef.

Delaney joins from the Angel Group in Corbridge where he was group executive chef, responsible for catering and menu development across its restaurant and outdoor event catering operations.

Prior to that, he was responsible for the menus at the Le Petit Chateau wedding venue at Otterburn and was instrumental in the kitchen operations at Durham University.

He began his 30-year career at Gosforth Park before heading south to venues such as the Royal Garden hotel in London, the Hotel Nelson, Norwich, and the Heathrow Park hotel, at West Drayton, before returning to the North East.

He has worked for a string of top hotels in the North East including the Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland, Matfen Hall, Close Hall, Slaley Hall and Newcastle's Jesmond Dene House hotel.

Delaney said: "I've had the privilege of working at some superb venues here in the North East and further afield.

"And it's always been at the back of my mind that I'd like to work at Lumley Castle. It's just such an iconic venue and there are some magnificent food producers in County Durham so I'm really looking forward to getting started."

Sales manager Lauren Colledge said: "Christopher's experience and credentials are second to none and we are very much looking forward to welcoming him to Lumley Castle."

North East Hotels Association unveils new leadership line-up >>

UK average hotel room rates exceed £100 >>

Stuart Geddes promoted to general manager of the Goring >>
Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).