Alan O’Kane appointed Head Chef of The Black Swan Hotel

The Staff Canteen
The Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley has announced the appointment of a new Head Chef, Alan O’Kane. black swan1Having worked for top establishments such as The Savoy in London and later at The Fisherman’s Lodge at Jesmond Dene, Wynyard Hall, Gilpin Lodge and Foxhills Country Club along with owning two businesses in his native North East, The Black Swan hopes Alan will bring the restaurant to 'even greater heights'. Commenting on Alan's appointment, Paul O’ Hanlon, Hotel General Manager, said: "It’s fantastic having Alan on board – he’s already making his mark and we’re now in safe hands to take our dining experience at The Black Swan to even greater heights. Not only do we have a brilliant Chef, he’s so generous with his time and knowledge, sharing some of his top tips with the up and coming young talents in the kitchen, there’s a real buzz about the place!" Alan's classical/modern approach to cooking will help define the menu in the Gallery restaurant at the four star country boutique hotel with 45 bedrooms. Having achieved Michelin’s Bib gourmand at several establishments, Small North East Hotel of the Year (La Route Guide) and voted ‘Top Coastal Restaurant’ in The Times and The Observer two years running at Sidney’s, Alan's professional experience will 'complement' the three AA Rosette restaurant. ‘The Gallery’ restaurant welcomes diners, residents and non-residents alike, who can enjoy the ambience of the light and airy space with its stylish modern décor, adorned with one of the finest collections of original works of art in the area courtesy of the Helmsley Galleries. For details of new menus in The Gallery restaurant and Tearooms, and this season’s dining events please visit our website: www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk
In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall  – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 5th April 2016

Alan O’Kane appointed Head Chef of The Black Swan Hotel