Workforce to double at top eatery

Staff search with prince’ s venue set to open tearoom and bistro

The Prince of Wales’ north-east restaurant is to more than double its workforce as it prepares to open a second venue within Ballater’s Old Royal Station.

Aspiring hospitality professionals are currently being sought to work at the award-winning Rothesay Rooms which was launched to help the town regain its footing following the devastation caused by Storm Frank in 2015.

The Prince’s Foundation charity is recruiting up to a dozen front-of-house and kitchen staff to work across its existing fine-dining restaurant on Netherley Place and The Carriage tearoom and bistro, which is due to open in August.

The Prince’s Foundation already employs eight staff at The Rothesay Rooms.

H e a d c h e f R o s s Cochrane, who will front the three establishments, is aiming to welcome new staff for the holiday season.

The Rothesay Rooms this week claimed the 2018 Restaurant of the Year title.

Mr Cochrane, 32, has worked under Gordon Ramsay at Claridges in London and has led chefs at a host of top establishments in the north-east.

He said: “Royal Deeside and Ballater in particular is such a special place and it really comes alive in summer when there’s such a buzz with visitors to the area. I am fortunate that the kitchen and frontof-house teams at The Rothesay Rooms and The Carriage is made up of such talented and personable staff, and we are looking forward to welcoming more staff to take on a fantastic opportunity to begin, or develop, their career in hospitality.”

A tearoom within the Old Royal Station, with entry via the old royal entrance, will stand alongside a bistro to be set on the original platform area of the station.

A small exhibition space in the building will detail the royal connection to the station and depict the waiting room used by Queen Victoria.

FRESH INGREDIENTS: Ross Cochrane wants new staff in for the holiday season