Member of Salvo's dynasty aims to cook up a storm in country pub

The latest member of a Leeds restaurant dynasty is ready to make his mark in a different part of Yorkshire as he looks to transform an historic North York Moors pub.

- by Charles Brown

Salvatore 'Salvo' Dammone is joining the Royal Oak at Gillamoor from Monday, having been appointed as its new executive chef and general manager.

Salvo's grandfather, also called Salvatore, famously founded Leeds's much-loved Salvo's restaurant in 1976.

It was taken over by his two sons, John and Gip, who in turn inspired the junior Salvatore - Gip's son - into the industry.

Having earned AA Rosette awards and Good Food Guide recognition in his own right, the 29-year-old honed his skills at the family restaurant crowned by Gordon Ramsay's The F Word as the UK's best neighbourhood Italian.

"Growing up in hospitality my whole life, making other people happy with cooking is one of my loves," said Salvo. "It's in my blood - I've grown up with it in the family, so it's just natural."