A CHEF from Kingsmead has been treated to an evening with the Prime Minister on the back of the success of the company he jointly owns.

Dave Mooney, who runs the New Moon Company with Paul Newman, made his way down to the capital on Monday, June 29, with his wife Jane, who runs Williamsons Bakery in Castle, after receiving an invitation to a reception at 10 Downing Street.

The invitation to the event, thanks to Chancellor and Tatton MP George Osborne, marks the continuation of what has already been another impressive year for Paul and Dave.

After winning an award at the Eat Drink Sleep Awards in March for their pub and kitchen The Old Sessions House in Knutsford, June saw the opening of The Old Blind School in Liverpool.

Dave told the Guardian the invite to the reception was an 'award for the whole company'.

"I was absolutely mesmerised by the whole experience," he said.

"The charisma of Cameron and Osborne was superb. You walk down the corridor and see pictures of Churchill, Thatcher and Attlee with their cabinets - it really was breathtaking."

In just six years the company has opened seven sites across the north west, including the Hanging Gate in Weaverham, and now employs more than 260 members of staff. 

Dave and Jane had a chance to speak to fellow attendees as well as quizzing Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne on what they have planned for the country.

"We had a chat about various business issues and hopefully we will be able to follow that up," he added.

"To me it doesn't matter what colour rosette they are wearing just as long as they do the best for the country."