A NEW head chef is to bring his recipe for success to a boutique four-star town house hotel on the shores of Windermere.

English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has appointed Nick Martin to take the reins in the kitchen and restaurant at Waterhead Boutique Hotel & Dining, near Ambleside.

Mr Martin brings more than 30 years’ experience in the hotel and catering industry to his new role, with a passion for using fresh local produce and working closely with the suppliers.

“Waterhead is a great property, with a vibrant kitchen and boutique dining environment,” said Mr Martin. “I am really looking forward to this challenging new role and becoming part of a family run business in a wonderful area. My aim is to help motivate and inspire our kitchen teams to nurture their talents, develop skills and create the right environment for the highest quality of food.”

In 2010 he was recognised with the AA North West Chef Award and placed in the top ten Hall of Fame by the AA.

During his career, the chef has worked with household names such as Jean Christophe Novelli and Keith Floyd, performing live cooking demonstrations for television and food events.

He has represented the North West region for Made in Cumbria in Bologna, Italy, working with Food from Britain alongside other regions, cooking and demonstrating local produce.

Mr Martin was formerly head chef with Macdonald Hotels, working across all their properties in Cumbria.

Waterhead manager Anthony Sutcliffe said: “Nick’s belief in training and skills development will be a great asset to his culinary team. This ethos dovetails with our enthusiasm to embrace changes, try new methods and constantly look for improvements.

“Nick is already well known across the region and beyond as a local food ambassador and we’re delighted to welcome him to the hotel. His ongoing work with Kendal College and other educational establishments in Cumbria is also encouraging more young people to enter the catering industry.”

For more information about the hotel visit www.englishlakes.co.uk