James Lovatt has been promoted to the role of executive chef, while George Martin has returned to the restaurant as its new head chef.
Lovatt takes on the new position following seven years as head chef at Moor Hall, having been part of the team since its opening in 2017. During that time, he has played a key role in shaping the restaurant’s direction in the kitchen, contributing to the restaurant achieving three Michelin stars.
He began his career at The Old Tram Shed in Saltaire before going on to work at Rudding Park and The Star Inn at Harome. He later joined L’Enclume, where he progressed to sous chef, before becoming part of Mark Birchall’s opening team at Moor Hall.
He was promoted to head chef in 2019.
“It’s a real privilege to take on the role of executive chef at Moor Hall, having been part of the journey from the very beginning - I’m looking forward to continuing to evolve what we do alongside Mark and the team,” says Lovatt.
Originally from Lancashire, Martin returns to Moor Hall having previously spent three years at the restaurant, during which time it was awarded its second Michelin star.
He went on to gain further experience internationally, including at the three Michelin-starred Frantzén and as part of the opening team at FZN by Björn Frantzén, before later rejoining Moor Hall as its development chef.
“It’s great to return to Moor Hall as head chef - it’s a place that means a lot to me, and I’m excited to build on what’s already been achieved with the team in the kitchen,” says Martin.
Moor Hall opened in 2017 under Birchall and was awarded its first Michelin star within six months of opening, followed by its second in 2018 and a third in 2025.
“I’m incredibly proud of both James and George,” says Birchall.
“They’ve been a big part of Moor Hall over the years, and this feels like a natural progression for them both. They’ve grown with the business and shown real consistency and leadership, so these roles are fully deserved and I’m excited for the future.”