This weekend's Taste Cumbria food festival got under way with an award-winning chef's mouth-watering menu served up in a quirky venue.

Rising star chef Kevin Tickle whipped up a six-course meal for 32 people at Wordsworth House in Cockermouth ahead of the festival's official launch at the Jennings brewery tonight.

Kevin won his first Michelin star within months of opening his kitchen at the Forest Side hotel in Grasmere and took over from Simon Rogan for this year's sold-out pop-up restaurant.

He said: "It's an amazing venue; when we did the initial look around we were a bit unsure it was going to work but it's come off brilliantly.

"We've kept it very small because we want to deliver the same standard that you would get in our restaurant."

People savoured mushroom and beetroot dishes before cod then rare breed pork main courses and finished with blackberry and pear desserts.

Colin and Angela Gibbs, who live in the town, said the event was an exciting opportunity they couldn't afford to miss.

Angela said: "To have a Michelin-starred chef cook for you in a place you wouldn't normally be in is something different and special.

"Cumbria is such a foodie county."

Taste Cumbria, organised by CN Events, is expected to bring thousands of people into the town.

Attractions include a food fair and cookery demonstrations on Main Street and a hot food court and entertainment in Market Place.

Another festival event, the Secret Gin Garden at Castlegate House Gallery, is already sold out.

For more information, go to www.tastecumbria.com.