A former Celtic Manor Resort trainee has joined St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Chepstow as senior sous chef to build on the property’s already sterling reputation for outstanding cuisine.

Ross Cooper, who was inspired to cook by his late grandmother, has built an impressive CV over the last two decades. Having trained at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport after leaving school, Ross climbed the ranks and worked as a sous chef at The Olive Tree in York, before recently joining the four-star property in St Pierre Park.

Ross said: “St Pierre is the perfect place for me to showcase my skills and use my industry knowledge to deliver the best possible banqueting and dining experiences for our guests, in both Zest and Morgans Restaurant.

“I’m keen to use my extensive culinary experience to deliver first-hand support to the head chef and build on St Pierre’s already fantastic reputation.”

General manager Richard Lansberry said: “Ross has undoubtedly made a valuable addition to the team at St Pierre and he brings with him a wealth of experience that will prove extremely important in helping our fantastic head chef. His passion for food and drink is evident and I have no doubt that he will bring that same level of dedication to his new role.”

The four-star property, which is set amid 400 acres of picturesque parkland in the rolling hills of the Wye Valley, is one of Europe’s premier golfing venues and is well-known for its excellent cuisine.