AN award-winning hotel has expanded its restaurant after a surge in demand for British classics.

Mr Fred’s, at Stanley House Hotel in Mellor, has taken its capacity from 28 covers to 56.

Hotel general manager Philip Wharton said sales had soared since 2010.

He said: “Customers have been telling us how much they want traditional classics on the menu and our fish and chips is certainly the most popular, with 222 dishes being sold in June alone.

“We’ve even had fish and chips on the menu at weddings.

“With the high demand, it’s a logical step to expand and offer more space for our valued customers.”

The restaurant opened at Stanley House Hotel in 2004 and is named after the late Blackburn industrialist Fred Walker, whose family owns and runs the hotel.