The Cross is a 70-cover pub owned by the Charles Wells Brewery and has been run by Howard Grundy and Jon Sharp of the Tasty Pub Company for the past 10 years.

Adam Bennett, previously head chef at Simpsons, will take on the role of chef director. Bennett will now combine this role with practice for his next attempt at the Bocuse d’Or global culinary challenge.

Antona, who takes over the site at the end of June, will be on hand to share his knowledge and experience during the bedding-in period. He commented: “We’ve been looking for larger premises for some time now and The Cross provides us with an ideal space and setting for Adam to set up his first dining venture. We’ll spend the first few months getting to know the team, the location, the pub and its regulars so that we’re all set for an official relaunch later in the year.”

Matt Cheal, who has worked up the ranks since joining the team in 2000, replaces Bennett at Simpsons, with Luke Tipping continuing his role as chef director.

Bennett said: “I’m sure that many chefs dream of running their own restaurant and I’m very grateful to Andreas for giving me the opportunity to bring my own personal touch to The Cross. Thanks to Andreas, I have another exciting challenge ahead of me which, coupled with our success in the Bocuse d’Or, looks set to make 2013 a year to remember.”

The team will be announcing details of their plans for The Cross in the coming weeks.