A holder of one of the culinary world’s most prestigious titles is to take the reins at a top Newcastle restaurant.
Jim Hall is one of just 140 chefs in the country to hold a Master Chef of Great Britain title – putting him at the centre of one of the most select and prestigious industry groups in the country.
And leading leisure operator Malhotra Group plc has announced the 37-year-old chef from Washington is the new head chef at its flagship venue, Leila Lily’s, at Grey Street.
Jim who joins Leila Lily’s from four AA star Lumley Castle Hotel, at Chester-le-Street, brings more than 20 years’ experience to his new position including stints at hotels and restaurants across the UK and at Ramside Hall Hotel and Mal Maison in the North East.
Renowned for his creative, contemporary take on classic British cuisine, his signature dish – a showstopping apple cheesecake dessert – will join the a la carte menu at Leila Lily’s, alongside a combination of modern British and Asian dishes.
Holders of the Master Chef of Great Britain title are viewed as ambassadors for the industry and also play a part in the training and development of future talent.
Along with supporting the young chefs who will be Master Chefs of the future they are expected to champion British food producers, growers, and manufacturers.
And Jim said his new role at Leila Lily’s will give him scope to showcase the “cornucopia of ingredients grown and made here in the North East.
“Newcastle is a wonderfully diverse and multicultural city,” he said, “and our menus will reflect and celebrate that.
“So, while customers can enjoy quintessentially British flavours – including the steaks and grills we cook on our Mibrasa charcoal oven – they can also experience Asian tastes and textures along with a range of vegan dishes we believe to be among the best in the city.”
Along with Leila Lily’s restaurant Jim will head the team providing bespoke and tasting menus for Eva Rose, the site’s newly opened private dining space.
Vaz Malhotra, Operations Director at Malhotra Group plc, said Jim’s leadership marks a new era for the restaurant, which already holds an AA rosette.
“We are delighted to have attracted a head chef of Jim’s calibre,” he said. “His ethos of championing local food and cooking it with creativity and flair chimes perfectly with ours and his energy, enthusiasm – not to mention his expertise – will be a great asset to us.”
For more information or to make a reservation at Leila Lily’s visit www.leilalilys.co.uk/book-now