Matei Baran, a past quarter-finalist in BBC TV’s Master Chef: the Professionals, has been appointed executive head chef at The Salt Cove restaurant at Tynemouth’s Park Hotel.
This follows a £3m transformation of the hotel, including the creation of the new restaurant. Baran came to the North East from his native Romania in 2009 and has since worked in various establishments, including the Northumberland Arms in Felton. His menu at The Salt Cove focuses on local, seasonal produce.
Salt Cove, Park Hotel, Grand Parade Tynemouth, NE30 4JQ, tel 0191 257 1406, www.saltcove.co.uk
