Ricki Weston promoted to executive chef at Whatley Manor

Renowned head chef Ricki Weston has now been promoted to head chef at Whatley Manor, following the withdrawal of Niall Keating in late December 2021.

Ricki joined the Cotswolds hotel team last October as a sous chef and was appointed head chef in October 2020.

General manager Sue Williams commented: "We feel very lucky to be moving into Whatley's next culinary chapter with Ricki at the helm. He brings to the role a fresh focus on the finest British ingredients and some interesting traditional cooking techniques, all of which perfectly complement our sustainability goals. I feel very excited to watch Ricki lead the team to deliver more exceptional eating experiences for our guests."

Born and raised in Storrington, West Sussex, Ricki started at White's Kitchen and followed that up with a stint at South Lodge Hotel in Horsham and a two Michelin star in Nottingham restaurant Sutton Bains.

Keating quit Whatley Manor after five years as head chef to pursue other business ventures, which have included opening his new restaurant, Lunar, in Staffordshire.