IT'S been home to some of the country's best known chefs. The Chewton Glen, the New Forest's iconic hotel, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

A new book, Chewton Glen – An English Original, has now been published to mark its milestone and pay tribute to five decades of hospitality.

Famous chefs such as James Martin and Jean-Christophe Novelli who honed their skills in the hotel's award-winning kitchen have contributed to the book.

The book also showcases some outstanding local ingredients and suppliers that have worked with the hotel over the past five decades and includes more than 50 recipes from the current executive head chef, Luke Matthews.

Luke and his team share some of their favourite recipes. From seasonal dishes taken from today's menus to classics from throughout the hotel's history, it is an opportunity to enjoy a taste of Chewton Glen at home.

Last month Luke scooped the top prize of Chef of the Year at the Hampshire Life Food & Drink Awards 2015

Luke joined the exclusive New Milton based hotel in 1993 and was appointed head chef in 2003.

He said: “It is particularly significant for me because of my passion for using local ingredients and working with suppliers who are based so close to the hotel that they can come into my kitchen in the morning and deliver fresh

high quality ingredients in person. It is a real joy to discover what is out there”.

Luke’s achievements at Chewton Glen have won him small-screen fame with appearances on BBC flagship programme Saturday Kitchen.

The Chewton Glen was originally a country house dating back to the 1700s. The book outlines its transformation into a five-star hotel when it was bought in 1966 by two brothers Martin and Trevor Skan.

Chewton Glen – An English Original, costs £25 and is available for purchase direct from the hotel, via the website chewtonglen.com or online from Amazon.