A DENBIGHSHIRE farm has given a warm welcome to a top Hong Kong chef.

The Rhug Estate, in Corwen, recently welcomed chef Simon Kealy and he enjoyed a tour of the farm, which supplies The French Window restaurant, in Hong Kong, where he is currently the executive chef.

The French Window restaurant regularly orders organic Aberdeen Angus beef, game birds, venison, chicken, turkey and lamb from the Rhug Estate.

Simon Kealy is originally from Cardiff and he began his career as a sous chef at the Michelin starred The Walnut Tree, in Abergavenny.

He has been working with the Rhug since starting with The French Window almost two years ago.

On his visit to the Rhug, Simon said: “It’s always a pleasure to come and visit the Rhug Estate.

"Not only is it an opportunity to see where the high quality meat originates from, but it’s great to have a discussion about the latest trends and customer feedback.”

Simon’s visit to the Rhug Estate earlier this month was to discuss the exciting future opportunity he has taken on in Saudi Arabia as culinary director, overseeing 50 restaurants for the Modern Dining Group.

When Simon starts in his new position, he will be ensuring that Rhug meat is on the menus.

Rhug Estate owner Lord Newborough said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Simon and we are grateful to him for ensuring his customers at The French Window, in Hong Kong, enjoy the finest meat from the Rhug Estate.

"We wish Simon the best of luck with his new venture in Saudi Arabia and look forward to continue working with him in the future.”

The Rhug Estate has been supplying many of the top restaurants and hotels in Hong Kong since 2007, with organic lamb, salt marsh lamb, beef, chicken and game reared on the estate.

Rhug also sources organic pork, local shot wild deer and organic eggs for top chefs who recognise the farm as a strong, well-recognised Michelin star brand, which offers unrivalled security of provenance.

Lord Newborough added: “I do firmly believe that having chefs visit our farm is essential in order to explain how we use sustainable farming practices to produce our high-quality meats.

"Organic farming is all to do with adopting the highest standards of animal welfare and removing stress in the production cycle, this produces the highest quality meat.”