ANDY HUNT is the new head chef at the Holiday Inn, York.

He was formerly head chef at De Verre in Leeds, but his new role represents a return to York where for 18 months he was head chef at the Royal York Hotel.

Andy, 41, said: "I have worked for large corporate hotel chains and what we have here in Tadcaster Road is an accent on family meals. For example, if families are staying overnight, their children eat for free in the restaurant."

He said his mission was to establish the Holiday Inn in York not just as the place for racegoers to enjoy a meal, but also as a neighbourhood restaurant for the city's residents, serving traditional fare such as roast dinners, cauliflower cheese and vegetable bakes and wholesome crumbles.

Business and conference guests will be targeted on weekdays, with a varied menu to include Indian dishes.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, May 04, 2005