Christophe Perney has been appointed head chef at Peach Pub Company's Embankment Hotel in Bedford.
The Embankment is the third site, acquired last May, run by Peach and joint venture partner and former BII licensee of the year Andrew Coath.
Perney qualified in France and trained in Paris under Joël Robuchon and then at the Park Lane in London before relocating to the UK.
Moving to North London, he went to work at Chez Tonton in Barnet and then at Sopwell House in St Albans, before deciding to set up the first of three businesses as Chef-Patron in Hertfordshire.
The Waggoners near Welwyn, Inn on the Green in Datchworth and The Boot in Chipperfield all reflected his classic French background and growing passion for working with British seasonal ingredients.
A major refurbishment of the 20-bedroomed hotel, pub and restaurant is underway and due to be completed at the end of March.
