Christophe Gitton is estate manager at Aldwark Manor Estate, near York. Christophe was born in Montargis, France, and his parents now live in Sancerre in the Loire Valley. He moved to Yorkshire in March 1993 and has worked in the hospitality industry since. He lives in Little Ouseburn
A place in Yorkshire that makes you smile?
I absolutely adore Yorkshire, and during my 30 years here I’ve been lucky enough to work in all four Yorkshire counties. On a personal level I think South Yorkshire truly stole my heart, the people are so genuine and I love the South Yorkshire accent – it always brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it.
A place in Yorkshire that you love to eat at?
I may be biased but our Elements restaurant at Aldwark Manor Estate has to be up there with my all-time favourites. I have dined there with many friends over the years, and we all absolutely love the fresh Yorkshiregrown food. Somehow it manages to perfectly balance being beautiful in design without being showy, and there is such a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
If I had to pick somewhere outside of the estate, there is one place that is very close to my heart, Salvos in Leeds. John and Gip (the owners) have worked incredibly hard for over three decades to stay at the top, and it has to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Yorkshire, if not the best. They make you feel at home during each and every visit.
A place in Yorkshire that you like to take friends?
It has to be Bettys. I know that it’s foodorientated again, but food truly is at the heart of my family’s social calendar! I have taken friends and family from across the world to this quintessentially Yorkshire institution. Everyone should take an afternoon to visit.
An early memory of Yorkshire?
My memories of
