A CHEF who has worked in Michelin starred restaurants will be tantalising taste buds in Lancashire after taking the helm of a Mellor pub.

Steve Midgely says he is determined to transform the Feilden's Arms, Whalley Road, into one of the county's leading Gastro-pubs after more than a decade of working in Michelin-starred kitchens.

The talented 33-year-old, who bought the pub two weeks ago with sister Jacqui Mcvittie, said: "Owning my own place has long been my dream and I am delighted to have somewhere that has such a rich heritage."

"I hate the term Gastro-pub. I prefer to think of it as a good, honest pub where you get excellent home-cooked food.

He said: "We'll be offering people home-cooked, good quality food prepared from local-sourced produce."

"One of my biggest challenges before we launch the restaurant was to find good local suppliers.

"The meat will come from a butcher in nearby Whalley, while the fruit and vegetables will be supplied by a Colne-based merchant."

Steve's catering career started in the early 1990' when as an 18-year-old he left Runshaw College and landed his first job at Michelin starred Oakes Restaurant in Stroud.

And his CV includes spells at Gidleigh Park, Chagford, where he worked with one of the UK's most high profile chefs, Michael Caines MBE.

Aged 21 he was named sous chef in charge of a ten strong brigade at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath.

Steve, who established his own catering company three years ago, said: "I have been lucky to work with some outstanding chefs in some fantastic kitchens."

"The thing I am passionate about is good food and good service and that is what I want people to think of when they think about the Feilden's Arms."

The newly revamped restaurant will be launched on Saturday, March 25 and includes a bar and hotel with four guest rooms.