A CHEF from a Lakeland hotel is competing in a national culinary competition on television.

Rothay Manor’s Daniel McGeorge will be one of four chefs representing the North West on the BBC’s Great British Menu.

The Ambleside head chef was approached by the show’s production team and after a telephone interview was chosen to be in this year’s line-up.

He said he was excited to be given the opportunity, which has allowed him to experiment with new ideas for the series’ theme of British innovation.

“It feels amazing to be a part of it,” said Mr McGeorge.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because it’s such a highly recognised competition.

“The opportunity to do a different brief is unique and it’s not something you’d always work on in a restaurant.

“So you get to go out of the box and cook something different and work from a concept, rather than a flavour.

“The theme of British innovation is really exciting.

“The inspiration behind my dish was everything to do with the North West.”

The 30-year-old believes this year’s series is even more important after the impact the pandemic has had on the hospitality industry.

“It’s putting the restaurants back out there for people to see,” he said.

“It will hopefully make people interested in food again and going out.

“With the time it’s due to air I hope it will spur that on again and when we come to be open again, we will be busier than ever.”

Originally from Liverpool, Mr McGeorge has worked in several high-profile kitchens including The Bath Priory and The Lawns at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa.

He has worked as head chef at Rothay Manor in Ambleside for over three years, and in this time has earned the restaurant 3 AA Rosettes.

The experienced chef also recently received a 2020 Acorn Award which recognizes the brightest stars in hospitality under thirty.

The new series of the Great British Menu begins on Wednesday, March 24 on BBC Two at 8pm.