A CHEF who received training under the eye of the world famous Raymond Blanc has reopened The Crown at Whitebrook.

Chris Harrod opened the doors to the restaurant, which has undergone a complete revamp, last Wednesday (October 2).

The 39-year-old, originally from Worcestershire, developed his culinary skills while working at Raymond Blanc's two Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, in Oxfordshire. Since then he has built up a strong reputation in the fine dining industry and featured in the Good Food Guide.

Now he aims to transform the former Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of the Wye Valley alongside his team of 10 - who too come from a background of fine dining.

Chris said: "It is a dream come true for me to have my own place after working for many years learning my craft in some of the best restaurants in the land.

"There are some obvious physical changes to structure of the internals of the restaurant. There are also some more subtle alterations which I want customers to discover for themselves and to enjoy.

"The Crown at Whitebrook with Chris Harrod will be a restaurant of its time and of its place and I can't wait to introduce all our customers to the excitement that we have in store."