The Samling hotel appoints former Noma chef James Cross

The Samling hotel has appointed former Noma chef James Cross to support head chef Ian Swainson.

Cross joins the Lake District property from the Danish restaurant that has was voted the world's best for three consecutive years.

Formally a professional forager, Cross also has gained experience at three-Michelin-starred restaurants La Pergola in Rome and Per Se in New York.

He has also appeared on BBC's Masterchef and Great Food Live television shows.

Alasdair Elwick, general manager at the Samling, described the appointment as a "real coup" for the hotel.

"It demonstrates our commitment to recruiting the best staff in the hospitality industry and once again strengthens a kitchen team, the food from which is gaining admirers by the day," he said.

"Over the coming weeks and months I fully expect more staff of James' calibre and experience to join the hotel."

Cross added: "The Samling is on one of the most exciting journeys of any hotel and restaurant in the UK right now so it wasn't a difficult decision to make. I hope my experience both in the kitchen and my career as a forager can help the hotel go on and achieve great things."