A CELEBRITY chef emerged last week as the latest big name to be moving into Knutsford's newest street.

Paul Heathcote has been in legal talks for weeks over plans to move into the former Royal George Hotel.

"There is no question that Knutsford is a great dining destination and there is a lot of competition," he said.

"I suppose there is nervousness that a town can become over-saturated, but if you bring a quality restaurant then it shouldn't be a problem."

Mr Heathcote, who has appeared in cooking programmes on the BBC and digital channels, has 10 restaurants in the North and is highly-regarded in culinary circles.

He has been spotted dining at several of Knutsford's best eateries over the past year, including the Belle Epoque. On Friday he denied that he had been checking out the competition.

"It was just socialising," he said.

"There is a real mixture in Knutsford of some casual eating and quality eating places. It would be professionally wrong of me to be critical of any of them."

Heathcote's joins Loch Fyne and Starbucks as the big names that developer Philip Hughes promised to attract when he bought the Royal George site

It is still not known if any big retailers are interested in Regent Street, which is expected to open for business next year.

Mr Heathcote made his name through The Longridge Restaurant, which earned him the Michelin Star.

It has also won the Egon Ronay Chef of the Year's restaurant and is regarded as one of the best in the world.

He is also known for The Olive Press where dishes range from £2.95 to £12.95 and children are invited to make their own pizza.

A donation of 25p goes to Childline for every child's meal that is sold.

Mr Heathcote's Knutsford restaurant will be an extension of The Olive Press brand and will open in the historic hotel's former ballroom.

There will be an open fire in the dining area and an open griddle in the kitchen.

Diners will also be able to eat outside on a terrace.

"It's going to be something a little bit different," said Mr Heathcote.

"We have one or two more ideas that will make it rather spectacular."