Former chef returns as Inn's new manager

And the new general manager at The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal will be a familiar face to regulars. Chris Taylor is its former head chef.

Returning with wife Leonie and children Dylan, four, and eight-week old Joey, Chris is aiming to put a family focus both on dining and staying at the inn, with a family-friendly, Sunday roast special and winter break offers including free accommodation and food for under 12s.

Chris, who previously headed up the kitchen brigade at The Hog’s Head Inn in Alnwick, said: “It’s great to come back home to the Lindy and I’m looking forward to putting my stamp on the inn.

“We’ll be creating some fantastic new meals from the superb range of Northumbrian ingredients on our doorstep and of course developing amazing desserts to tempt your taste buds.

“As well as reinforcing The Lindisfarne Inn as a real foodie destination, we’re pushing out our family-friendly credentials. As the dad of two young children, I know what a difference a welcoming atmosphere makes when you’re out with the family and that’s something we’ll be going above and beyond to ensure here.”

Part of his family-friendly agenda includes the focus on Sunday lunches and encouraging families to sit around the table together. There will also be a new vegetarian and vegan selection on the menu.

Chris said: “Food and families is on the top of my agenda. I firmly believe in sitting down and eating together as a family. A Sunday roast was the traditional time when families spent time together over a meal and it’s something I really want to encourage families to do – come in and enjoy a Sunday lunch together with us without the hassle or arguments about preparing it, clearing up and of course washing up.”

Sean Donkin, operations director from The Inn Collection Group, which owns The Lindisfarne Inn, said: “Chris has superb plans for The Lindisfarne Inn and we’re delighted to have him back in The Inn Collection Group family.

“As a company, we focus on promoting from within the group and growing our people’s skills and experience. Chris is a great example of this in action and we wish him the very best in his new role.”

In addition to The Lindisfarne Inn and The Hog’s Head, The Inn Collection Group portfolio includes The Bamburgh Castle Inn in Seahouses, The Commissioners Quay in Blyth, The King’s Head Inn at Roseberry Topping, The Seaton Lane Inn in County Durham and The King’s Lodge Inn in Durham City.