MasterChef champion Simon Wood today announced he will open his second restaurant in Chester.

The north’s one and only MasterChef winner - who appeared as a judge on last night's show - has signed a deal with Castlebridge Group who are developing a Hotel Indigo in Chester.

Chaddertonian Simon opened Wood Manchester, on First Street in the city centre in September, bringing his passion and creativity for food and powerful flavours to life.

Promising a relaxed dining experience with high end food, it has so far received rave reviews from national press food critics.

“Wood Chester will offer the same ethos as the restaurant in Manchester," said Simon.

"We serve modern interpretations of traditional flavours with a focus on simple, seasonal dishes with the odd surprise along the way. It’s unfussy, high end dining with approachable staff, comfortable chairs and dishes guests want to order again and again.

“I have been delighted by how well we have been received in Manchester and can’t wait to take the restaurant to Chester with Hotel Indigo. They are a great brand that really fits with ours and we know there are plenty of foodies in Chester to enjoy my food.”

Wood Chester is due to open in 2019 and will operate seven days a week serving breakfast, cocktails, room service and a full service lunch and dinner menu, including special lunch and early evening offerings.

It will also dish up Wood Manchester favourites including a blind tasting menu featuring seasonal produce and newly developed dishes and Tomahawk steaks

The new restaurant will be dominated by the open theatre kitchen, which includes a Josper oven, and will feature a chef’s table in addition to a 10 seater private dining room.

Castlebridge Group commercial director Jenna Dienn, who brokered the deal, said: “This is a really exciting partnership for both brands and we are delighted to have been able to bring them together in Chester.

"It is important to us that we create the right food and beverage propositions within in the sites that we manage and we feel that Simon and Wood Chester will offer something perfect both for the hotel guests and local diners who will be excited to see some Masterchef magic on their doorstep.”

MasterChef presenter and judge Gregg Wallace described Simon - famed for his octopus, squab pigeon and carrots five ways in the 2015 series of the show - as an incredible talent and John Torode said that he took something ordinary and made it special.

Gregg has since dined at Wood Manchester.

Since winning MasterChef Simon has worked with Marcus Wareing, Theo Randal and Simon Rimmer before opening his own restaurant.

Since 2015 he has also been executive chef at Oldham Athletic FC and Oldham Event Centre, including the hugely successful ‘The Boardroom by Simon Wood’.

His areas of passion include fine dining, the art of plating, and teaching. His debut cookbook At Home with Simon Wood – Fine Dining Made Simple launched in 2017.

For more information about WOOD Chester visit www.woodmanchester.com/comingsoon or follow the restaurant on social media.