Ian Roberts promoted to head chef of Flat Cap Hotels' Courthouse

Ian Roberts has been promoted to head chef of Flat Cap Hotels' Courthouse hotel in Knutsford, Cheshire.

He joins the 50-bedroom hotel from his role as sous chef at the Courthouse's sister property, the 26-bedroom Vicarage hotel in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.

He also previously worked at the Oddfellows hotel in Chester, the Crowne Plaza hotel in Chester and St David's Park on the Isle of Anglesey, as well as Peckforton Castle in Tarporley, Cheshire.

Roberts said: "I am delighted that Flat Cap Hotels have given me the opportunity to develop and grow. It is a privilege to work with such a committed team at both restaurants and we have some really exciting plans for the future."

The Courthouse is the second property to open within the Flat Cap group, following an extensive renovation of the formerly derelict Crown Court building. The company was founded in 2015 by brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood with the opening of the Vicarage.

Barristers restaurant and bar, serving British seasonal food, was the first phase of the hotel to open this summer, with the Rooftop Gardens to launch in the coming months. The Court Room and Moneypenny Suite have both been converted into event spaces.

Of the hotel's bedrooms, 10 are due to come online before the end of the year, with an additional 40 to be added in 2018.

Oliver Heywood added: "Since joining the Vicarage Ian has continually impressed us with his skills and passion for cooking. Following the successful launch of the Courthouse this summer, Ian joins at a valuable time."

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