MasterChef finalist Tom Whitaker is to become head chef at Young’s White Hart pub in Barnes as part of an extensive refurbishment of the business.

Situated on the banks of the Thames, Young’s is redeveloping the top floor of the site into a dining room, which overlooks the river.

Last month, Young’s re-opened a Surrey pub with a new food offer developed by Karl Byron, semi-finalist of Masterchef the Professionals.

The Hand & Spear in Weybridge has been given a separate restaurant entrance, open kitchen, expanded dining areas and a new conservatory. Byron’s menu is based on British classics with locally sourced ingredients.