STAFF are gearing up for an exciting re-launch of Porto Restaurant in Bowness in July.

The award-winning former Porthole Eating House has new decor, a bigger kitchen, a new head chef and a new menu. All will be in place when the restaurant in Ash Street reopens on Friday, July 7, after just a week’s closure.

“I wanted to broaden our appeal so more people can enjoy our hospitality, the new style of menu will achieve this,” says Faye Ramsey, who bought Porto seven years ago.

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The new menu will continue to use the best ingredients from Cumbria's local larder. It will include many of the restaurant’s signature A la Carte dishes, like: Arancini, (mozzarella risotto balls), local lamb; and pan-seared king scallops.

But there are also many new classic additions, including: monk fish tail scampi; Higginson’s steak burger (supplied by the famous butcher in Grange-over-Sands), and pie of the day.

“We want to offer our customers more choice. They can come for a leisurely lunch or pop in for a sandwich. It is the same with dinner, with either a three-course celebratory meal or just a quick bite to eat, diners will thoroughly enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere,” said Faye, who was born locally.

Spearheading the changes is new chef Slav Miskiewicz, 31, a protégé of legendary chef Steven Doherty, the former head chef at Le Gavroche in Mayfair, London, who moved to the Lake District and kick-started the gastro-pub scene.

Slav worked with him when creating the cuisine at the beer hall at Hawkshead Brewery in Staveley, and more recently at The Mill in Ulverston.

Slav settled in the Lake District ten years ago, after training in his native Poland and is no stranger to award-winning kitchens, having worked as head chef at four-star Eltermere Inn, Elterwater, which is featured in the current Michelin Guide.

He has also been cooking alongside Steven Docherty at The Mill, which has a current nomination for Food Pub of the Year.

Customers can also enjoy the new decor at Porto, in cool grey and green, inspired by the surrounding Lake District. Framed retro prints and posters of iconic scenery adorn the walls.

A newly-improved and furnished roof top terrace is also available for outdoor dining.

“I am very excited to be embarking on the next chapter in the development of Porto," said Faye. “We look forward to welcoming everyone for a new and improved experience.”

Bookings: 015394-48242 or info@porto-restaurant.co.uk. Full menus and special offers visit the website www.porto-restaurant.co.uk.