The Coach & Horses has welcomed Harrogate-born Chris Lawrence to join the team.

With over 15 years of catering experience behind him, Chris trained and worked locally before a spell further afield in top hotels and restaurants across the north and north west of England.

Most recently, Chris returned to his home town and was head chef at another award-winning champion of local produce on West Park, Weetons, just a few yards up the road from his new employer.

John Nelson, landlord of the Coach & Horses said: “Pub grub should be all about proper food and prompt service; a decent choice, freshly prepared, and all at reasonable prices.”

Getting the food right is now top of the menu.

As John explained: “We already use local sources whenever we can. All our ales are from Yorkshire, including the world champion Rooster’s Yorkshire Pale Ale. Now we want to apply the same standards to our food.”

Chris is just as passionate about his new role, and is using the summer to plan new menus for September.

“I’m proud to be a Yorkshire chef, working in a proper Yorkshire pub, serving proper Yorkshire food,” he said. “I will be changing the menu, keeping firm favourites and introducing new dishes. Most importantly, I’ll be using local ingredients and making everything fresh on the premises.”

Over the summer, Chris is hoping customers will be making suggestions for what should be on the new menu.

“I’m revamping the kitchen from day one,” he added. “I already have some plans but we want people to come in and tell us they think. There will be a chance for customers to vote for their favourite dish and we will be running special themed events.”

In the meantime, Chris is already making his mark with traditional Sunday lunches – prime Yorkshire beef, locally grown vegetables and all topped off with one of his own specialities, homemade Yorkshire pudding.