A NEW manager has been appointed at an award-winning hotel and restaurant.

Stephane Leyreloup is now in charge of the Cleveland Tontine near Stokesley in North Yorkshire.

The Frenchman began his career as a sommelier at the celebrated Maxim’s in Paris where he won a number of awards and established his reputation in the industry. Since then he has worked for a series of top restaurants and Michelin-starred eateries.

After leaving Paris, Mr Leyreloup went on to work in prestigious hotels and restaurants in Canada and North America.

Most recently he worked as restaurant manager of the Michelin-starred Box Tree in Ilkley. He has also worked for several years as general manager of the Devonshire Fell at Burnsall in Wharfedale and as deputy restaurant manager of the Michelin-starred Burlington Restaurant at The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel at Bolton Abbey.

He has lived in North Yorkshire for the last ten years, where he has settled with his partner and their young son.

He said: “The opportunity to head the team at the Cleveland Tontine is hugely exciting and I am already enjoying bringing my experience and passion here to this special place.

“The Tontine is an important institution locally and has a great and loyal team of staff including a very talented head chef in James Cooper.

“I look forward to developing the business and getting to know all the customers."