North West Richard Frost

Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have hired a Michelin star-winning chef who was one of the winners of the 2015 Great British Menu to lead their hospitality group's culinary offering.

GG Hospitality, founded by Neville and Giggs in July 2013, has appointed Michael O'Hare as creative director. O'Hare's restaurant The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds only opened in April 2014 but won a star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2016 and now has a 12-month waiting list for weekend bookings.

O'Hare also starred on the latest series of the BBC's culinary reality TV show Great British Menu, winning the North East heat and being selected by judges to make his fish course for the Women's Institute centenary banquet at the end of the series.

The tattooed Middlesbrough-born chef, whose Twitter handle is @hairmetalchef in reference to his rock'n'roll hairstyle, is known for his maverick approach creating dishes such as a raw langoustine and melon starter with lavender puree, salted cucumber, edible flowers, blowtorched ham fat and a gin sour cocktail served inside a giant white plastic egg containing a collage of faces.

Neville, a director of GG Hospitality, said: "I met Michael in October last year and instantly knew that he was the man for us. I've dined at The Man Behind the Curtain and can honestly say that I've never experienced anything like it.

"Michael's skills, attitude and attention to detail are exactly what we require across all our GG projects and we've no doubt that he is a perfect match for us."

Giggs, a director of GG Hospitality, said: "It really is truly exciting to be working with such a talented and inspiring chef.

"Since the opening of Hotel Football, GG Hospitality has gone from strength to strength. As our business evolves, it's imperative that we move forward with the best team around us and I'm confident that Michael will help us in achieving further success."

GG Hospitality's portfolio includes Hotel Football, Café Football Old Trafford, Café Football Stratford. It is also opening a new boutique hotel in the former Stock Exchange building and the St Michael's complex, both in Manchester city centre.

GG Hospitality said that the group's latest appointment following the recent investment from Rowsley, Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim's investment vehicle, demonstrates its ongoing commitment to creating unique hospitality experiences capitalising on O'Hare's renowned creative and contemporary approach to food and drink.

O'Hare said: "The moment Gary and I started to discuss the project, I knew I wanted to be involved. His passion and enthusiasm immediately drew me in and the vision both him and Ryan have for enhancing the GG Hospitality offering, felt like a natural fit for me.

"From the Great British Menu to The Man Behind The Curtain's first Michelin Star, 2015 was a fantastic year and I look forward to working on this exciting project, alongside my restaurant, in 2016."

Pictured: Gary Neville at Hotel Football