Sheffield given a taste of South Africa

Sheffield is set for a flavour of South Africa, with the appointment of a new Head Chef at one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.

South African born Ernst Van Zyl, 32, who now lives in Manchester, has taken control of the kitchen at The Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, based on Bramall Lane.

Ernst will oversee the Copthorne’s 100 seater 1855 restaurant and bar, carrying on the excellent work of his predecessor’s menu, which has been built on a core of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

With more than a decade’s hospitality experience, Ernst has worked in the kitchens of many high profile AA Rosetted hotels, including the five star Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, London. He joins the Copthorne from Prima Hotels, where he was the executive chef for six hotels across the UK.

Ernst said: “I’m delighted to be working at the Copthorne Hotel. It is a great company with a fantastic reputation and Sheffield is an up-and-coming city which I like very much”.

“I love a new challenge and am anticipating the role will test my experience in food and beverage. In South Africa we often barbeque our food, whether sun, wind or snow. I hope to adapt some of these influences into the existing menu at the Copthorne”.

“The previous head chef, Daniel James’ menu obviously works extremely well, and I believe that if something works then don’t change it, but every chef likes to make a few minor adjustments! He has done an excellent job here, with the hotel being awarded an AA Rosette and the various restaurant accolades achieved under his guidance, so I’m looking forward to carrying on where he left off.”

Orla Watt, general manager of the Copthorne Hotel Sheffield, declared: “1855 has now been established as a leading name in the city for delivering good quality, modern food at affordable prices. We are delighted to have Ernst on board, especially as our previous Head Chef, Daniel James, played a major part in choosing Ernst as his successor”.

“We are looking forward to working with Ernst to sampling some new, fresh ideas to get 2010 off to a great start.”

The Copthorne Hotel Sheffield has also appointed Jonathan Williams to the kitchen as Ernst’s right hand man. Previous to his new chef role at Copthorne, Jonathan spent a month at Heston Blumenthal’s acclaimed restaurant, The Fat Duck.

For more information on 1855 Restaurant, or to book a table visit millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornesheffield.