One of Cardiff’s leading hotels has turned up the heat in its kitchen with the appointment of a new executive chef.

Andrew Robertson, who lives in Newport, has been appointed by Cardiff’s four-star Marriott Hotel to head up the kitchen team, with the responsibility of overseeing changes being made to Marriott menus in the coming months.

Born in South Africa to Scottish parents, Andrew now lives in Newport and cites his mother’s influence as the inspiration behind his culinary career. After finishing school in South Africa, Andrew was fast-tracked into the food industry and began an apprenticeship at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland.

His skill and passion for the job has since taken him around the world, enjoying posts in locations including Namibia, Uganda and Germany, during a 30-year career.

Andrew’s career with the Marriott hotel chain began at St Pierre Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Chepstow and he has since worked in Marriott hotels in Inverness, Gosfarth Park, Birmingham and Waltham Abbey. Keeping it in the family, one of Andrew’s three sons has also now taken on an apprenticeship chef position at St Pierre Marriott.

Andrew said: “Though my work has taken me pretty much around the world, the time has come to settle, and as I have always wanted that to be in South Wales, the opportunity to work at the Cardiff Marriott came at exactly the right time.

“I aim to maintain the high culinary standards diners have come to expect from the Marriott, but also have some specific ideas of my own about ways to build on an already impressive menu, still incorporating only the finest quality seasonal – and local – produce wherever possible.”