MIDDLETHOTPE Hall & Restaurant, the country house hotel in Bishopthorpe Road, York, has been awarded a prestigious third rosette by the AA.

General manager Lionel Chatard said the establishment is the only one in York to have the excellence award. Only the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey matches it.

He sees the award as yet another laurel for the hotel's head chef, Lee Heptinsall and restaurant manager Alex Reynolds.

Yorkshireman Mr Heptinsall is only one of a select few to receive such an award on his first year in the position of head chef.

He started his culinary career as a commis chef at a restaurant in Windermere.

From 2000 to 2002 he worked at La Gousse D'Ail in Oxford, but returned to Yorkshire, joining Middlethorpe as chef de partie in 2001 and was promoted to sous chef in 2003. He was appointed head chef in December 2004.

Mr Chatard said: 'With such fantastic local produce, Lee's creative input, and Alex's dedication we have received an outstanding third AA Red Star. Our main priority is to continue to produce a high standard of food and service for our guests and if we win awards along the way, then it is a great testament to our dedication."

Updated: 11:16 Tuesday, November 22, 2005