The Sefton Group has appointed Chris Swinden executive head chef.

The appointment marks a welcome return to the group for Mr Swinden, 39, who has worked at the former Hilton, now BEST WESTERN Palace Hotel, and as head chef at the Sefton Hotel during which time the hotel’s then Gallery Restaurant achieved AA 2-rosette status.

He said: ‘After a break of some three and a half years working in catering management elsewhere, I’m pleased to be returning to the Group and applying both my new-found skills and those I have developed over a good number of years while heading kitchen teams in the Island’s leading hotels.

‘Being appointed executive head chef opens up a wealth of new opportunities, given the scale of the Sefton Group’s hospitality operation, which can see more than 700 people served in one day. I’m looking forward to working with the teams to develop new dishes and already we’re devising new events menus and food offerings for the Paragon bar at the Palace Hotel. I’m also keen to share my skills and knowledge with the junior members of the team, training and helping them realise their potential in what is an exciting industry to be part of today.’

Group operations director Adrian Brockhouse, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Chris back. As executive head chef Chris will bring both experience and a new perspective to our food and beverage offerings. Chris also shares our commitment to supporting career development. This will not only be of great benefit to those working with him but will also contribute to creating an enhanced guest experience across the entire Sefton Group operation.’

Photo - Chris Swinden, seated, with kitchen staff colleagues.