A KIDDERMINSTER man has been appointed executive chef of a Drayton Manor Theme Park restaurant.

Carl Hickinbottom will be creating dishes at the Grill Inn, located just outside main gates of the park.

He has 16 years of catering experience, working in four-star hotels, restaurants and contract catering for Compass, where he spent the past five years as head chef at the Lloyds Banking Group residential training centre.

In his time there he assisted the account executive chef with menu and product development, presentation and catering services for the other 85 sites in the contract.

Mr Hickinbottom said: “This is an exciting new role in my career and I am looking forward to embracing the challenge.

“I am passionate about food and I enjoy creating new and exciting menus for everyone to get their teeth into, whether that’s a tasty burger for four people at the Grill Inn after a day at the park or a 200-seater corporate event.

“It’s a challenge I relish to deliver quality food on time to a high standard.”

William Bryan, general manager, hospitality, at Drayton Manor, said: “Having Carl on board is a huge asset to us. The wealth of knowledge and experience he brings with him is second to none and we are delighted to have him as part of our evolving team.”