AN AWARD-WINNING Yorkshireman has returned to his roots after a stint working in top gastro pubs in London.

William Bonfield, the new restaurant manager at the Burlington restaurant, the 3AA rosette-rated restaurant at Bolton Abbey, is hoping to help drive the restaurant on to greater status.

Most recently, he was manager at two London eating houses, The Prince of Wales in Putney and The Bull and Last in Highgate.

His career has included experience at a host of Michelin-starred restaurants including La Trompette in Chiswick, London.

William joins Burlington head chef Adam Smith, with the aim of together creating the ultimate dining experience at the restaurant, which is part of theThe Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa.

He is originally from Halifax and has an impressive career within the hospitality industry, starting at the age of 16 at a local country house hotel.

He then progressed to a local fine dining restaurant with 3 AA Rosettes, Design House in Halifax, before becoming restaurant manager, aged only 21.

He later accepted the position of commis waiter at the Michelin starred Ilkley-based restaurant, The Box Tree, in 2008 after winning The Restaurant Association Young Chef - Young Waiter competition in the same year.

It was at this competition that he met Adam, who was then at The Ritz, London.

Adam said: "William has come on board at a really exciting time for the Burlington Restaurant. We've just announced our annual Food & Wine Week from Monday, December 1, giving us a great opportunity to showcase the Burlington. With our current 3 AA rosettes, we are now aiming for even further success in the future."

The week of culinary experiences will include a host of award-winning chefs from all over the UK taking a residency at the hotel, including Nigel Haworth from Northcote, Langho, Andrew Pern from The Star Inn, Harome, who recently regained a Michelin star, Mark Birchall from L'enclume, Cartmel, who holds a Michelin star, James Mackenzie from the Michelin starred The Pipe & Glass, South Dalton, Tim Bilton from The Spiced Pear, Hepworth, and Stephanie Moon from Rudding Park, near Harrogate.

On each of six days there are special menus, kicking off on Monday, December 1, with a Take 5 Chefs event where each chef prepares a course.

There's a War of the Roses lunch on Tuesday and a dinner prepared by Lee Bennett, of the Crafthouse restaurant, in Leeds' Trinity Centre, followed on Wednesday by a special gourmet evening prepared by Adam.

Thursday sees Mark Birchall, head chef at Simon Rogan's restaurant, L'enclume, create a menu drawing inspiration from the award-winning Michelin starred restaurant in Cartmel.

Adam takes the reins on Saturday to create a dinner with his own unique style and, on Sunday, Joe Fattorini will host an evening of wines, accompanied by a tasting menu.

To book, contact the Devonshire reservation team on 01756 718155.