A SOUTH Lakeland pub has welcomed a new four-strong team of chefs to its team.

The award-winning pub, The Dalesman Country Inn, located in Sedbergh, added a new head chef, Simon Taylor, who trained with the English restauranteur and television chef, Gary Rhodes.

Richard York, Ross Reynolds and Jamie Fletcher make up the quartet alongside Simon to offer a creative seasonal menu that champions local ingredients from small-scale farmers and producers.

Owner Mike Garnett said: "I’ve never felt more excited and confident about our menu and what we offer our customers.

"Our chef team have a brilliant range of skillsets and experience, from Michelin-starred restaurants to five-star hotels."

Having relocated his family from Manchester to the outskirts of Kendal, Head Chef Simon explained that the pretty location, the friendly locals and the outstanding quality produce helped to seal the deal.

He said: "When I came up, I instantly fell in love with Sedbergh.

"Mike took me to meet some of his suppliers on the local farms and what struck me most was their depth of knowledge, and the flavour and quality of the produce.

"It was an opportunity too good to miss.

He added: "As a team we get on really well. We all have our specialisms and bring new ideas to the plate."

The team explained how they have incorporated local's autumn supplies to create the current menu.

Simon said: "We’re so lucky here, to be able to use what’s good when it’s good.

On our current menu, diners can enjoy some local game, squash, cauliflower and other seasonal produce to be paired with luxurious sauces and a mouth-watering array of decadent desserts, designed by our pastry chef."