It’s celebrations at the double for a Huddersfield country inn.
For as The Woodman at Thunderbridge chalks up its first Michelin rating, the popular 18th-century hostelry also welcomes a top chef to the team.
Michelin star head chef Lawrence Yates has joined Woodman owners Leslie Country Inns as a director.
Over the last decade he has worked in some of the country’s finest Michelin-standard restaurants, including Daniel Clifford’s two-star Midsummer House in Cambridge and, more recently, The Box Tree in Ilkley.
He is now tasked with helping to develop the Leslie Country Inns brand - including Yorkshire Pub of the Year finalist for 2015, The Woodman Inn.
Lawrence and his new team will be working on improving the Woodman’s reputation, which has just been boosted by being included in the 2016 Michelin pub guide for the first time.
General manager Chris McHugh said: “Our intimate wedding venue has proved extremely popular since refurbishment and new plans for 2016 include a large expansion with additional hotel rooms as well as a further function venue.
“Certainly for the moment, Lawrence will be very much hands-on with the food side so there is lots to look forward to in that respect.”
Lawrence said: “I am looking forward to working with a fantastic team already in place at The Woodman to give guests a wonderful experience.”
The Woodman’s David Woodhead said: “We are delighted to get this Michelin guide mention. And getting Lawrence Yates is quite something.
“He has a first class reputation and he is now with us.”
Managing director Craig Leslie said: “Leslie Country Inns are delighted that Lawrence has joined the team to head up the company as director starting with The Woodman Inn with the help of general manager, Chris McHugh.”
