François Belin has been appointed to the new post of head sommelier at The Swan at Lavenham in Suffolk.

Formerly assistant head sommelier at the Goring Hotel in London, Belin says he has ambitious plans to take The Swan's wine offering "up to a higher level".

Belin has previously worked at Hambleton Hall, Oakham, and in his home country of France at the Grand Hôtel de Cala Rossa in Porto-Vecchio. He has also held a sommelier position at the Nottoway Plantation in Louisiana.

The Swan offers cuisine in its gallery restaurant as well as the informal brasserie. Working with the hotel's head chef Justin Kett, Belin will be sourcing wines from across the globe to complement specific dishes and has plans to host themed wine tastings for hotel guests.