A TV chef has returned to Dorset to add his culinary excellence to a Weymouth restaurant’s menu.

Chris Wheeler, executive chef at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire, is returning to his roots to make some guest appearances and help shape the menus for The Nothe Tavern, using local suppliers for meat, vegetables and dairy.

Chris will be hosting a ticketed dinner at The Nothe Tavern on Friday, February 23 at £25 per head, which will include a charity raffle.

Proceeds from the raffle will go to the RNLI, with prizes including Chris cooking for you in your home.

Emma Lamb, owner of The Nothe Tavern said: “We chose the RNLI as the charity for the raffle, because the boat station is just down the hill from us.”

“Chris will also be doing a meal at The Angel in Poole, where the RNLI is based.”

The event is one of three to take place at a Lamb & Wolf Holdings pub, with the other events to take place at the soon to re-open Kings Arms in Weymouth.

Originally from Swanage, Chris heads up the award winning cuisine outlets at the luxury five star Stoke Park, appearing on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, Channel Four’s Sunday Brunch, BBC Two’s Great British Menu and in 2016 was crowned Hotel Chef of the Year at the Hotel Cateys.

Chris is now sharing his teachings to improve the pub’s menu and make it a bit more extraordinary.

He will bring up-to-date classics including shepherd’s pie and apple crumble using some of Dorset’s famous ingredients, Dorset Knob biscuits, Dorset ginger and local black cow vodka.

He will also bring his own creative touches and skills to the menu.

Chris said: “Obviously I’m originally from Dorset, and originally went to Bournemouth and Poole Catering College. When I was approached to redesign the menus I jumped at it.

“I am looking to improve the food, use local produce and take some of my signature dishes down.”

The signature dishes Chris has created will remain on the menu for the season and then change to reflect the spring’s harvest.