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Langley Castle has appointed a new head chef whose emphasis on food provenance ideally suits a medieval hotel with extraordinary historical roots, where guests revel in sense of place in every aspect of their experience.

Luke Newton joins the 4-star (AA Silver), 2AA Rosette hotel and wedding venue, located near Hexham, Northumberland, having accrued nearly two decades of award-winning experience within high-end hospitality and fine dining establishments.

His culinary career has been forged through positions at prestigious hotels, restaurants and resorts across the UK.  His past record of working to 3AA Rosette standards in 2AA Rosette kitchens, signals a clear focus on excellence, consistency and skills refinement.

Langley Castle guests, and non-resident diners, will see this ethos reflected across all castle dining experiences. This includes à la carte meals in the fine dining Josephine Restaurant, relaxed dining and afternoon tea menus served in the atmospheric, chandelier-lit Drawing Room, and those at the heart of the venue’s many wedding experiences. These range from two-day Indian weddings, or full-day exclusive-use fairy-tale or marquee weddings, to woodland, tipi or elopement weddings.  The castle has even hosted a Viking wedding.

Luke’s passion for sourcing high-quality, in-season, local and sustainable produce will also be evidenced in the menus created for special events and family celebrations.  Those attending festive celebrations, Starry Knights star-gazing experiences, Sunday lunches and Mother’s and Father’s Day events will all be beneficiaries.

The new head chef’s mantra is that of allowing natural flavours to shine, whist adding exquisite touches and seasoning that fulfil ingredients’ potential. Channelling his strong attention to detail and skills in technical refinement, he blends classical technique with culinary creativity.  At Langley Castle, he will relish the opportunity to mirror the historic authenticity of the building within the dishes concocted and the ingredients selected.

Supporting him will be sous chef, Joel Davies, marking his first anniversary within the Langley Castle kitchen in April.  He too has extensive experience in 2AA Rosette kitchens. 

He initially joined Langley Castle as Chef de Partie but, through hard work and dedication, demonstrated sous chef credentials. He has been pivotal in helping the castle retain its 2AA Rosettes during a period of transition from the previous head chef to Luke. His style, inspired by Joël Robuchon, is rooted in classic French technique with a modern edge, and complemented by an appreciation of global flavours. Working alongside Luke Newton, his goal is to produce food to 3-AA-Rosette standards.

Luke Newton says:  “Joel and the team here have been incredibly welcoming and all are hugely talented. The kitchen feels like a sleeping giant and I’m excited to help develop its potential. The North of England is very special to me and it is humbling to work in such a historic venue. My aim is to create food that has an innate simplicity and honesty and which is rooted in the area. We shall strive to make it the very best it can be.

“I’ve loved cooking from a very young age and, from the moment I donned a white jacket, knew it was my destiny.  I hugely respect quality ingredients, provenance and traceability and believe great teams are built on ambition and consistency.  My new team has all the attributes to take the kitchen to another level.”             

Langley Castle’s general manager, Mohamed Serag, comments, “We are delighted to welcome Luke into the Langley Castle family in what is our 40^th anniversary year as a hotel and restaurant.  We believe this appointment has provided us with a head chef who can proficiently leverage the skills and enthusiasm of his team and quickly help us move towards our objective of becoming a 3-Rosette establishment.  During the exciting journey ahead, there is little doubt that we shall provide guests, wedding parties and non-residents with memorable and outstanding dining experiences.” 

For more information, please visit www.langleycastle.co.uk