Peter Howarth to take over as head chef at Hipping Hall

Peter Howarth has been appointed head chef at Hipping Hall restaurant with rooms in Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire.

He will replace outgoing head chef and 2018 MasterChef: the Professionals finalist Oli Martin, who is leaving after seven years to pursue his own events venture.

Howarth will join in October after spending two years as head chef at the Devonshire Arms' Burlington restaurant at Bolton Abbey.

He was formerly head chef at the Samling hotel restaurant in the Lake District and at Gidleigh Park in Devon, which was awarded two Michelin stars and five AA rosettes during his tenure.

Andrew Wildsmith, owner of Hipping Hall, said: "We are very excited to have Peter Howarth joining us. The appointment marks a very exciting next step for Hipping, which has recently achieved four AA rosettes and holds a very bright future. I'm thrilled we have partnered with such a talented chef who shares similar values with regards to a forward-thinking, yet classical kitchen. I know together we are going to create something very special for our guests.

"We will miss Oli and I want to thank him again for all his hard work and dedication these past years, as well as wishing him the very best for his exciting next venture".

Chris O'Callaghan will replace Howarth as head chef at the Devonshire Arms in September.