THE head chef of what will become the new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Salisbury has been appointed.

Phil Baylis (29) has now joined the team at The Stones Hotel, as work to open the new restaurant, which is expected in September, continues.

Living in Andover, Phil is already familiar with Marco, having worked for him at Rudloe Arms in Corsham.

Prior to this he worked for renowned French chef Pierre Koffmann.

Hotel owner, David Matton said: “It’s great to have Phil on board for this exciting new venture and wish him the very best as we head towards opening.

"Despite the lockdown, we’re still on track to be ready for a September opening and can’t wait for the date to come.

“Phil is very passionate about food and brings a huge amount of experience and not many chefs can say they’ve been trained by both Marco Pierre White and Pierre Koffmann who between them, attained six Michelin stars

“He will now help oversee the recruitment and training side of things while making sure the new restaurant and bar meets the exacting standards in terms of atmosphere and food required by Marco Pierre White!

“We’re hugely excited and the refurbishment of the restaurant will completely capture Marco’s ethos of creating a venue where friends and family can come to enjoy drinks and food in relaxed, comfortable and unpretentious setting.”

Phil said: “I love cooking and plan to make the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill the go-to restaurant in the area. I’m on the phone a lot to Marco chatting about food and ideas and can’t wait to bring his philosophy of affordable glamour to Salisbury.”