Niall Keating has been announced as the new executive chef at two Michelin-starred Whatley Manor, replacing Martin Burge who left last week after 13 years.

Niall will take up his position on December 1 and will oversee The Dining Room which holds two stars in the Michelin Guide UK and the hotel’s Swiss chalet-style Le Mazot brasserie.

Christian Landolt, owner of Whatley Manor, and the hotel’s new General Manager, Sue Williams, said: “We are delighted that Niall has chosen Whatley Manor for his return to the UK. When I first met him at the Bath Priory, his talent was immediately evident, and I have really enjoyed watching his career gather momentum.” 

>>> Read Martin Burge leaves two Michelin-starred Whatley Manor after 13 years

Returning to the UK to run a prestigious kitchen has been a long-held goal, and Niall’s new position at Whatley Manor will give him the opportunity to showcase the skills and experience from his roles to date, and to focus on his own cooking style.

Niall, who is just 25, added: “I would like to thank Christian and Sue for this fantastic opportunity. It is an exciting next step for me, and I look forward to evolving the cuisine at Whatley Manor.”

His first proper kitchen role was in 2010 as a commis chef at the Bath Priory Hotel - and in just two years he worked his way up that culinary ladder to sous chef. In 2013, Niall moved to Nottingham as chef de partie at two Michelin star Restaurant Sat Bains, where he remained for two years. He then acquired a one-year USA visa and worked in San Francisco at three Michelin-starred Benu with Corey Lee. He moved to Copenhagen in 2015 as chef de cuisine at one star Restaurant Kong Hans Kaelder with chef Mark Lundgaard Nielsen.

Niall will introduce his own menus from 14 January 2017, following a brief closure of the restaurants from 8-13 January. 

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