Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall makes key kitchen promotions

Three-Michelin-starred Moor Hall has announced two major promotions in its kitchen, with James Lovatt stepping up to executive chef and George Martin taking on the role of head chef.

The changes mark another significant moment in what has already been a landmark period for Mark Birchall’s restaurant in Aughton, Lancashire.

Moor Hall secured its third Michelin star in 2025 before being named the UK’s best restaurant in the latest Harden’s guide, retaining the stars this year, underlining the level of consistency and acclaim the operation has built since opening in 2017.

For James Lovatt, the promotion to executive chef formalises a long-standing influence over the direction of the kitchen.

James has been with Moor Hall since day one, joining Mark’s opening team and helping shape the restaurant’s evolution from ambitious new opening into one of the UK’s most celebrated fine dining destinations.

He had spent the past seven years as head chef, overseeing a period in which the restaurant continued to refine its produce-led identity and reach the highest level in Michelin’s ranking.

Before Moor Hall, James built experience at The Old Tram Shed in Saltaire, Rudding Park and The Star Inn at Harome, before joining Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume, where he progressed to sous chef.

That grounding made him a natural fit for Moor Hall’s ingredient-led approach when the restaurant launched, and his latest promotion suggests both continuity and trust at the heart of Mark’s brigade.

James said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the role of executive chef at Moor Hall, having been part of the journey from the very beginning - I’m looking forward to continuing to evolve what we do alongside Mark and the team.”

George Martin returns to Moor Hall kitchen in head chef role

Alongside James’ move, George Martin has been appointed head chef, returning to a restaurant he already knows well.

Originally from Lancashire, George previously spent three years at Moor Hall, during which time the restaurant secured its second Michelin star.

Since then, he has broadened his experience internationally, including time at three-Michelin-starred Frantzén and as part of the opening team at FZN by Björn Frantzén.

He later rejoined Moor Hall, which also holds a green Michelin star, as development chef, working closely with produce from the estate, a role which placed him at the centre of one of the defining aspects of the restaurant’s offer.

George said: “It’s great to return to Moor Hall as head chef - it’s a place that means a lot to me, and I’m excited to build on what’s already been achieved with the team in the kitchen.”

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Continuity at one of the UK’s most acclaimed restaurants

Set within a Grade II-listed building, Moor Hall has built its reputation on refined, produce-driven menus shaped by ingredients from its gardens and surrounding landscape.

The restaurant won its first Michelin star within six months of opening, added a second in 2018 and reached the three-star level in 2025. It also holds five AA rosettes and, in 2025, the wider property was awarded two Michelin keys.

That recent run of recognition has positioned Moor Hall among the defining restaurants in British fine dining.

For Mark Birchall, the promotions speak to the depth of talent developed within the business over time.

He said: “I’m incredibly proud of both James and George. They’ve been a big part of Moor Hall over the years, and this feels like a natural progression for them both.

“They’ve grown with the business and shown real consistency and leadership, so these roles are fully deserved and I’m excited for the future.”