A 'PASSIONATE' chef has taken on the top position at a Lake District restaurant, with promises that he will be putting the customer first.

Chicco Marcin, 35, is leading the kitchen at Waterhead Hotel, which is situated beside Coniston Water.

Originally from Poland, Mr Marcin spent 13 years living in Scotland, most recently working as head chef at the Glengarry Castle Hotel in Invergarry.

Mr Marcin was already known to the Classic Hotel group, which owns Waterhead Hotel, having spent some time working at the Friars Carse Hotel.

"I am trying to keep the menu simple," he said, explaining his plans for the hotel's restaurant.

"Because I do not want to complicate things but I try to put a twist on things. I want food to be simple but I have added my own idea on things."

He said that he wanted each of his freshly cooked dishes to go out to customers looking 'like a picture'.

"I want the food to have a presentation and a flavour and to keep myself happy and be proud of my food," he said.

He added that the restaurant tried to source everything from local suppliers and menus changed regularly to accommodate guests who were staying for multiple nights.

"I try to give surprises to the customer to see a happy face," he said.

General manager of the Waterhead Hotel Chris Brockbank said that he was 'delighted' to have Mr Marcin on board.

"The amount of passion that he brings to the job is fantastic," he said. "He's got a wealth of experience but the overriding thing is the passion."

Mr Brockbank, who took up post at the hotel 18 months ago, said that Mr Marcin would bring something 'fresh' to the business.

"Something that is for the locals and residents as well as the tourists," he said. "Something a little bit different to what is on the menu currently across the area. I think of the exciting ideas that Chicco has and I am sure he will deliver."