A MICHELIN star restaurant has received a £400,000 makeover.

The Raby Hunt, near Darlington, closed at the beginning of May for a refurbishment.

It has seen the kitchen extended and redeveloped, the building of a new restaurant entrance, and the installation of glass walls so diners can watch Michelin-starred chef James Close and his team at work preparing their food.

Mr Close, 37, said: “Having gained a second Michelin star last autumn, the time was right to invest and put The Raby Hunt on not just the UK’s good food map, but the world’s.

“We want to make The Raby Hunt more unique than it already is, and ensure our guests experience an even greater ‘wow’ factor when they dine with us.

“This has been a major investment for us, but I am confident it has moved The Raby Hunt up another step, “ he added.

Mr Close was named Good Food Guide 2017’s Chef of the Year and The Raby Hunt has been in the Good Food Guide Top 50 for the last three years, as well as the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants.