Top chef Brian's on the right lines ...
A Sowerby Bridge chef who once cooked for Madonna and Sir Rod Stewart has just been made a member of the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain organisation.
Brian Clark, 52, worked in some of the world’s top restaurants and hotels before becoming the Director of Food and Beverages on the luxury Northern Belle train.
He said: “I am absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud at the news. This recognition is a huge honour, marking a significant milestone in my culinary journey.
“It’s a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and a relentless passion for creating memorable moments for people. I’m truly grateful for the support I’ve received along the way.”
Mr Clark joined the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle, which was once part of the iconic Orient Express set-up, earlier this year.
The train was already famous for its food, with a string of journalists drooling over the menu and Condé Nast Traveller magazine gushing: “It’s all about the food.”
But Mr Clark has revolutionised the menu, bringing in exciting new dishes and also offering passenger a choice at each course.
Next Friday he will be preparing a slap-up seven-course Yorkshire Lunch to be served during a special Northern Belle trip from Leeds, Wakefield and York.
He said: “This will be a right grand affair with Thixendale lamp rump, Whitby crab, Ilkley ham and a whole host of other Yorkshire delicacies.
"And to finish off we will be serving glasses of Yort, a sweet wine with brandy which is a Yorkshire twist to the traditional Portuguese port.
"There are still a few tickets left if anybody wants to join us.”
A spokesman for the Northern Belle said: “We are delighted that Brian is now officially recognised as a Master Chef of Great Britain.
“He’s hot stuff in the kitchen and this is a great honour both for him and us.”
For more details of the Northern Belle, see www.northernbelle.co.uk