A LAKE District pub chef has been chosen to help reignite the British love for wines from a famous French vineyard region.

Chef and landlord Craig Sherrington at the General Burgoyne is Great Urswick preparing a menu at the request of the Bordeaux Wine Council.

"It was an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be invited," said Mr Sherrington. "The French reputation for excellent food and wine is well-deserved."

He and wife Louise have just returned from their fact-finding trip to the vineyards and wine caves of Bordeaux.

"We came back with a real perception of what the Bordeaux Wine Council is trying to achieve, and a few different ideas for our menu," he added.

The pair's findings will be revealed in the special menu at a Bordeaux wine evening at the South Cumbrian pub between Dalton and Ulverston tomorrow (October 24).

Mr Sherrington was originally put in touch with the Bordeaux Wine Council through Robinson's Brewery, which owns the General Burgoyne.

But this year, they contacted the pub directly.

The chef has worked at top hotels including Lakeside in Newby Bridge and Storrs Hall in Windermere, before taking over at the General Burgoyne.

He claims to have tried to make the menu at his Lake District pub imaginative, causing "a stir".

"We like to do things a little bit differently but there is nothing like causing a few surprises," said Mr Sherrington. "People might be surprised at some of the choices.

"Red wine doesn't have to go with red meat, for instance."

The pub's gastronomic reputation has made it one of only two eateries in Furness listed in the Good Food Guide for 2015.

It has also tried to give back to the local economy by using only local suppliers.

"I love living and working in the Lake District and giving people the best in traditional British food, but it's also nice to try something different," he added. "And that's what the link-up with the Bordeaux Wine Council has given us."