John Godfrey takes over Castle at Taunton kitchen as Liam Finnegan joins Michael Caines

After eight years as head chef at the Castle at Taunton and its Brazz brasserie, Liam Finnegan will be leaving at the end of August to take up an executive role with Michael Caines' restaurants.

Sous chef John Godfrey will be promoted into the head chef role, having worked at the 44-bedroom Somerset hotel for around eight years himself.

Finnegan said: "John joined me in 2012. He has developed into an outstanding chef and a fine leader. It's been great working with him and it's reassuring for me to be handing the baton over to him."

Godfrey said: "Liam taught me attention to detail and people skills. His drive and passion are infectious. I feel privileged to be taking over the reins from him. This is a challenge I shall be grabbing by the horns."

Nick Chapman, chairman of the family business, which this year celebrates 70 years as custodians of the property, added: "John has won his spurs. He has all the qualities that make a great head chef – very much in the mould of Liam and his distinguished predecessors.

"Not least, few people will know that it was John Godfrey to whom we entrusted the security of the hotel and Brazz during the difficult three months of lockdown. He moved in and took care of the place as the sole resident. That trust speaks volumes about the nature of his character."