DINER'S at a new Newport restaurant will be brought closer to the sweat, tears and tantrums of the kitchen by a giant plasma screen that will stream live footage of the chefs in action into the dining area.

The direct video link is in place at The Crown restaurant, which has just opened at the five-star Celtic Manor hotel.

The screen is at the head of a chef's table for 10 in an annexe off the main eating area of the restaurant, which is run by the same people as the Michelin-starred Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth.

Executive chef James Sommerin will now be in charge of the kitchens at both restaurants.

General Manager at The Crown, David Hennigan said: "We have noticed that there is an increasing awareness and hunger for knowledge among our well-informed clientele in the way food is prepared, cooked, assembled and served.

The Crown at Whitebrook Director, Jonathan Davies, said: "There was a real buzz about the place in the lead up to the opening of The Crown at Celtic Manor which is a stunning addition to culinary excellence in Wales.

The Crown is the hotel's fifth on-site restaurant.