MATT Clarke has returned to The Dining Room at Grasmere’s Oak Bank Hotel as its new head chef.

He was previously sous chef there until departing to further his experience at The Punchbowl Inn at Crosthwaite in 2017 - but has now returned.

Simon Wood, owner of Oak Bank Hotel & The Dining Room, said: “It’s fantastic that Matt chose to return to us as Head Chef, we have held and retained 2 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate award since 2010, Matt will no doubt retain those awards comfortably."