Member Article

Top chef lands at North East hotel

A talented chef, who trained in London and Venice, is now heading up the kitchen at a leading North East hotel.

Keith Crookes, originally from Sunderland, has been named as the new Head Chef at the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport hotel.

The 42 year-old, who moved to London after completing his initial training at Monkwearmouth College, spent more than 17 years working at some of the capital’s top hotels, including Le Meridien Russell Square.

He also enjoyed eight months in Venice, where he was able to hone his skills and indulge his passion for Italian cooking.

Since returning to his native North East in 2006, Keith has held key roles at several high profile venues, including working as conference, banqueting and events manager at Newcastle Racecourse.

He has now been appointed as head chef at the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport hotel, where he will oversee an 11-strong team responsible for managing the venue’s entire culinary operation.

This includes breakfast for overnight guests, lunch and dinner in both its bar and in-house Italian restaurant, room service and catering for all private and business events hosted in the hotel’s function suite and meeting rooms.

Keith said: “The kitchen at the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International airport hotel is an extremely busy one but I’m looking forward to putting my previous experience to good use.

“I’m particularly excited about cooking for visitors to the hotel’s restaurant, Fratello’s, where I can indulge my passion for good quality, authentic Italian food.”

For more information about the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport hotel visit www.doubletree-newcastleairport.com or call 01661 824266

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Cairn Hotel Group .