Award-winning Worcestershire hotel, Eckington Manor, has appointed Mehdi Amiri as its head chef.

Mehdi will be bringing his wealth of experience and love of food to the Manor, near Pershore, from Swinton Park Hotel & Spa, replacing culinary couple Mark and Sue Stinchcombe.

The restaurant offers a combination of British and European cuisine as well as dishes from further afield, incorporating locally grown produce to give that field to fork dining experience.

The new role is an exciting next step in the chef’s successful career, as he joins Eckington Manor following two years as executive head chef of Swinton Park Hotel, where he was awarded Three AA Rosettes in Samuel’s restaurant.

Amiri has been in the industry almost 18 years, working with the likes of Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck in Berkshire, where he gained an insight into the technology and science behind cooking that he has now developed into his own style that is both pleasing for the eye and the palate.

As well as working with the celebrity chef, Amiri also worked at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir, an institution for classical French cuisine.

Mehdi said: “I’m really looking forward to starting at Eckington Manor. My most recent role has allowed me to experiment creatively and work alongside a great team, creating a delectable dining experience for guests.

"I am keen to spend the next few months settling into Eckington Manor and evolving the menu to reflect and showcase the produce grown and reared on the estate, making it a must visit destination for diners."

Judy Gardner, owner of Eckington Manor, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Mehdi to the Eckington family. He is extremely talented and has such an eye for detail, we love what he creates! We can’t wait for this to be part of the offering at Eckington Manor.”