TOP chef Will Holland is leaving the Coast for the Ocean as he makes a major job shift.

Will has been at the helm of Saundersfoot's award-winning Coast restaurant for over three years.

But in October he leaves Pembrokeshire for the Channel Island of Jersey to become executive chef of the Ocean restaurant in the Atlantic hotel.

Will had been at Coast since April 2014, when it was opened by Neil and Zoe Kedward, who also own the Grove hotel, near Narberth.

His work was recognised with two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and the title of AA Restaurant of the Year in Wales 2015-16.

Will also won UK Restaurant Chef of the Year 2016, and is to contest the National Chef of the Year title in October.

He said he had enjoyed his time at Coast "immensely" and it was a huge decision for him and his wife to move on.

"It was a massive challenge setting up the restaurant and starting it from scratch, but one I enjoyed every moment of."

Neil Kedward, managing director of the Seren Collection, of which Coast is part, thanked Will for his work at the restaurant.

He added: "It has always been a real pleasure working with Will, and he has been instrumental in successful establishing the restaurant we have in Saundersfoot.

"He will be sorely missed in these parts by both his work colleagues, the industry and guests alike."

The Ocean restaurant in Jersey holds four AA rosettes and a Michelin star and the executive chef position attracted interest from some of the finest young chefs in Britain.

Said managing director and owner Patrick Burke: "Will was the stand-out candidate and we are delighted to have secured him.

"We have great admiration for everything that Will has achieved in his career to date and have no doubt his appointment will further strengthen Jersey's growing culinary reputation."