THERE will be a changing of the guard at two of York’s longest running restaurants when they re-open in May.

Michael Hjort, co-proprietor of the popular Melton’s restaurant in South Bank, is to leave the kitchen there in the care of head chef Calvin Miller and install himself permanently in the kitchen of the Chopping Block at Walmgate Ale House.

Lucy, Michael’s wife, will be staying on as front of House at Melton’s which was opened by Michael and Lucy in 1990 and Michael admits that although he has not managed the kitchen directly for a few years, the change is the “end of an era”.

The move is part of the repositioning of the couple’s second restaurant the Chopping Block, as more than just a restaurant above a pub. Going forward the restaurant menus will have a strong French theme reflecting Michaels’ background working with Roux Restaurants.

Michael said: “While of the last few years I have left Calvin to successfully develop a Modern British menu at Melton’s, I felt that now is the time for me to step away completely. I can now return to my roots and offer a range of classic regional French dishes in a simpler format.”

The Chopping Block is currently running a limited version of the new menus in its’ Beer Garden, and through its’ takeaway/call & collect service. The new format is being branded as Anglo-French because as Michael said “Customers will still be coming to us for a Traditional Sunday lunch with Beef and Yorkshires but now the options are extended to include dishes such as Pike Quenelles, Cheese Soufflés and Duck Confit.”

Michael said: “What will matter for us is the quality of what’s on the plate and not the quality of our French pronunciation.”

The Chopping Blocks new opening hours will be Wednesday from 5pm and Thursday to Sunday from noon.