A CLASSICALLY trained chef with experience in Michelin starred restaurants has taken up the top position in a Lakes hotel.

Paul Nicholson has joined The Lake Edge Restaurant at the Storrs Hall in Windermere.

Mr Nicholson, 35, has come to the hotel from the Lords of the Manor, a luxury hotel in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire.

He said that making the move from the Cotswolds to the Lake District felt like a 'natural progression'.

"It's a beautiful location and the hotel is beautiful," he said. "It's recently been refurbished and there's a great team up here."

Mr Nicholson, who trained as a chef in his birth city of Bath and also spent time cooking in France, said that he wanted to continue to build on the 'already excellent reputation of the hotel'.

"I just want to do some good cookery," he said. "Use the best ingredients the Lake District has to offer, especially some of the meats on offer. There's some great local farmers so it's just really keeping the food quite simple."

Mr Nicholson said that at the moment the restaurant offered a menu that changed with the seasons but would soon be launching one that changed daily, as well as a five course tasting menu with wine flight.

He described the team in the kitchen as 'fantastic' and although recruitment was still underway, he said there would be eight chefs in total.

Andy Nicholson, general manager at Storrs Hall added: “Paul has a strong background in great quality hotels and restaurants from Michelin starred Lords of the Manor to The Dial House Hotel in the Cotswolds where he accumulated a throng of his own awards.

"We were attracted to his passion, consistency, humbleness, and knowledge which he wants to share with all the team. In time we feel sure his food will add to the gourmet destination that is Cumbria.

"Paul is passionate about using local produce and is delighted to be joining a team who are committed to working with local food producers and suppliers, and promoting the best Cumbria has to offer."