A CHEF who once fed European leaders has opened his latest venture.

Andrew Brown has opened Browns Cafe and Grill, in Grange Road, Darlington, two years after leaving the County, in Aycliffe Village, County Durham, where he once cooked for then Prime Minister Tony Blair and French president Jacques Chirac.

He said he had been biding his time to open a new establishment in Darlington.

He had looked at other venues in the town, but jumped at the chance to open in Grange Road, in what was the Chinese restaurant Treasure Inn.

Mr Brown, who was trained by Michelin chef Raymond Blanc, said: “This street draws people from across the whole area. It’s a street that already exudes quality.”

He said he had established an experienced team who would be cooking breakfast, lunch and evening meals.

He said: “Unlike the County, which was started by my wife and I and we had little experience, this place has to be right from the start.

“It is taking the elements of my classical training to more traditional English foods.”