A PUBLICAN who has worked at The Ritz in London is to take the helm at a well-known Huddersfield pub.

Ricardo Victor, who already runs the Bull’s Head at Blackmoorfoot, has added the Golden Cock at Farnley Tyas to his business interests.

Ricardo has an enviable hospitality record, which includes working at The Ritz in London, The Wentbridge House Hotel at Pontefract and Cotswold 88 in Gloucestershire – which in 2010 was ranked as the 16th best “boutique hotel” in the world.

Ricardo said: “After I was the contributing factor to the award being won at the Cotswold 88, I feel that it is now time to put all my experience and ideas into my own businesses.

“Having started my gastro venture at the Bull’s Head in Blackmoorfoot, I have been looking for an additional business to run in conjunction with the Bull’s Head. This gives me the opportunity to develop a different concept of brasserie and fine dining, while maintaining a traditional village pub.”

Added Ricardo: “Farnley Tyas is a very close-knit and traditional community that also attracts a large number of destination diners, so I am excited that I can return the Golden Cock back to its former glory and beyond.”

Working closely with Ricardo is business partner Mark Oldfield who has lived in the area for many years and is highly experienced in the pub industry, having run a number of multiple site operations.

He said: “I have known this pub for a long time and always thought that one day the opportunity may come my way to take it on.

“It’s the perfect combination of village pub with dining potential, as I strongly believe that a great pint of cask ale is just as important as great food and fantastic service.”

Ricardo takes over on April 4 and will carry out a small amount of refurbishment in time for the busy Easter weekend.

After that, owner Punch Taverns will carry out a major refurbishment, including investment to extend the dining room.

The announcement comes less than a fortnight after licensees Richard Billington and Shelley Oxley said they were leaving the Golden Cock following a row with Punch plans to refurbish the pub and increase their rent.

The couple, who also run the Rose & Crown at Thurstonland, will leave the Golden Cock after closing time on Sunday, April 1.