WHATLEY MANOR, near Malmesbury, has been awarded a Michelin Star, less than a year after executive chef Niall Keating joined for The Dining Room, in the Michelin UK and Ireland Guide 2018.

The 26-year-old chef has a culinary pedigree spanning other Michelin Star restaurants around the world. From America at the three-star Benu in San Francisco, to Sat Bains, a two-star restaurant in Nottingham, and the one star Kong Hans Kaelder in Copenhagen.

Mr Keating settled into Whatley Manor, and launched his own style of tasting menus in the Manor’s restaurant, The Dining Room in February this year.

His cooking style focuses on British food, but also draws on his international experience, including Japanese and Korean.

Mr Keating said: “I am incredibly proud of my team’s achievements in such a short space of time - winning a Michelin star in the 2018 guide, and continuing Whatley Manor's relationship with the most respected industry guide in the world, is testament to the non-stop focus, hard work and determination we instilled from day one.”

General Manager of Whatley Manor, Sue Williams, has known Mr Keating since he was a commis chef at the Bath Priory Hotel in 2010.

“What a stellar year for Whatley!” she explained. “We are thrilled that the strong food story continues on. When Niall and I entered into conversations about working together, his exact words were ‘I will not let you down.’

"He has more than fulfilled his side of the bargain in less than a year. He is an extremely talented and original culinary voice.”