A NEW restaurant specialising in dry ice dishes has opened in the Lake District.

BaHa’s first floor restaurant, formerly the Tasting House & Grill, has been given a makeover and renamed 18 Ash Street.

Situated on Ash Street, Baha provides a cafe lounge on the ground floor.

The cafe serves brunch, sandwiches and bar meals during the day.

This is followed by food and live music in the evenings.

Along with a fresh menu, 18 Ash Street will focus its food on products that are locally sourced.

This will include a range of quality dishes with a touch of surprise in the presentation.

The restaurant will launch with an autumn/winter menu featuring local meats, herbs grown in Windermere and some food theatre for diners.

Dry ice and smoked dishes are the main theme to surprise customers.

It is designed for use in a wide range of applications to create bespoke smoke effects.

“I believe offering fantastic locally sourced food is the future," said restaurant owner Stephen Hargreaves. “Caring about our customers and the needs of staff are essential.

“The team believes this a key element to the guest experience as customers no longer want a stiff fine dining atmosphere.”

He said that 18 Ash Street wants "to bring something that no else has in Bowness."

Along with the new decor and interior, local ingredients and food theatre the team at 18 Ash Street want to make the restaurant a destination that everyone should visit.

The new concept has been developed by head chef Kevin Hodge, who has worked hard to push for food theatre at 18 Ash Street.

“It’s an exciting time to be bringing such a menu to Bowness," said Mr Hodge, who has a wealth of kitchen experience. “I love producing honest food which speaks for itself. The restaurant will be great and I can’t wait to get started.”

Marketing director Graham Hadaway said the feedback from customers has been vital in planning the menu.

“From the response we have received it is clear what people expect," he said. “They want great value for money and a quality product.

“This is something we have always tried to achieve and has been at the front of our minds with this new menu.”