A renowned Cumbrian chef is to take on an upcoming restaurant in Whitehaven as part of the £5million Bus Station development.

Jon Fell will be head chef at The Peddler - a new all-day food and drink venue on the ground floor of the town’s former bus station.

The 100-seater cafe/bar, located beneath the start-up office space on the first floor, will be the champion of all things local.

Mr Fell, who is currently head chef at the Green Room restaurant at the Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven, said: “It’s really exciting. I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s in Whitehaven town centre where I’ve always wanted to be since I moved up here all those years ago. It’s a fantastic opportunity.

“It’s going to be fun and vibrant.

“The food is going to be all about local people and producers. Whether it be fruit and vegetables from Kinsella’s on the market, or a couple of the local butchers in town, the fishermen in Whitehaven.

“The whole idea of this is to support local. The term is banded around quite a lot but we mean to do it and we want to do it.”

The restaurant is due to open on May 26, in line with government restrictions.

It is being run by Osprey Management Group, which also has the Galloping Horse in High Harrington.

The venue’s name is a nod to the peddlers of bygone days who travelled the countryside looking for good things to bring back for their customers.

The Peddler will “seek out and bring to the table the very best in food and drink”.

The Bus Station development is part of the North Shore scheme, led by BEC, with the help of partners including Copeland Council and the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners. Sellafield has put £2.6m of funding into the project.

The modern, flexible workspaces on the first floor will offer leases and rentals that reflect the needs of small businesses with help and support for entrepreneurs.

A number of positions are currently available in the restaurant, including a cook, chef and kitchen porter.

Anyone interested in applying should email: jon@ospreyinns.co.uk