Pictured: Simon Malin

Leading Midlands chef Simon Malin is bringing his expertise and award-winning skills to Henley in Arden's Bluebell pub and restaurant.

He has been appointed Head Chef at the popular High Street venue which also boasts a string of accolades, including a listing in the 2010/2011/2012 Good Food Guides and the Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010.

Simon previously ran the acclaimed Malbec Restaurant in Stratford upon Avon which was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand Good Food Guide listing and Restaurant of the Year for Coventry and Warwickshire.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said "Making great food accessible to everyone is what is important to me. At the Bluebell customers will see my full potential and experience some fantastic dishes…

Simon, who lives in Solihull, also has a passion for fine wines and in his new role at The Bluebell will be introducing a carefully chosen selection to complement his dishes.

Leigh Taylor said: "We are thrilled to have Simon on board and are confident that his vast experience and ability to uphold the most prestigious accolades will have a major impact on the Bluebell's already impressive reputation."

Simon's early career included appointments at leading AA Rosette awarded restaurants in London, Sussex as well as The Lygon Arms Hotel in Broadway and New Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield. More recently, he was instrumental in setting up the exclusive 100-seater restaurant in Selfridges Birmingham, which he subsequently ran for two years.