Richard Hunt new group development chef of Lifestyle Hospitality Group
Richard Hunt has been appointed group development chef of Devon-based hospitality business Lifestyle Hospitality Group (LHG).
Hunt will be helping to develop menus and innovations for the group, including sourcing products, and working with chefs and front-of-house staff.
His first project with the group was to revamp the menu for the business's "jewel in the crown" restaurant and carvery, The Gissons, which is located just outside Exeter. He has added classic British dishes, made with local ingredients where possible.
In 2010 he was a judge on the Escoffier Challenge, and has appeared on numerous TV shows including the BBC's Escape to the Country and Channel 4's New Iron Chef UK.
He also lectures at Thames Valley University, of which he is patron, and is also as a member of the British Culinary Foundation, the Academy of Culinary Arts, and the Craft Guild of Chefs.
The new role comes at a time of expansion and development for LHG, which also runs the restaurant franchise Tiger Bills. The brand recently announced a Master London Franchisee, and is also looking to move into Asia.
Of his new position, Hunt said: "This is an exciting new role for me. This is what I love best, sourcing the best quality produce from trusted suppliers and developing those relationships, designing new menus, working with talented chefs and front of house staff and just generally making sure the customer is happy."