One of west Dorset's most highly anticipated restaurants opens today, after receiving a visit from its namesake.

Robin Wylde, in Silver Street, Lyme Regis, is the brainchild of TV chef, Harriet Mansell, who appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu and has also worked around the world in renowned restaurants and Michelin star kitchens.

The restaurant is not actually named after a particular person. It is a pseudonym which 'evokes connotations of lush countryside whilst retaining a sense of English charm and adventure'.

The name of the venue made its way up the country as far as Worcester, where it reached a 'real-life' Robin Wylde, who upon discovering the name of the restaurant decided to journey down to Lyme Regis for the soft launch.

Mr Wylde said: "I first saw Harriet when she was competing on the Great British Menu, my son was watching and sent me a message to say 'have a look at this'.

“It was pretty surreal to discover a restaurant that shared my name. I got in touch with Harriet and after a few emails back and forth decided to pay the restaurant a visit.

“I really enjoyed the evening, the food was delicious and I was even given the opportunity to say a few words. I even made a trip of it and stayed for two nights.

“Hopefully the restaurant is a success going forward and I wish Harriet luck.”

Miss Mansell, the owner of 'Robin Wylde', said: "It was really nice that Robin came down to be a part of the soft launch and even gave a bit of a speech.

"He is a full-time carer for his wife so I don’t think he’s had a holiday in years. His son even got in contact to say how touched they were that we took the time out to see him."

The restaurant will be running one lunch service per day from Thursdays to Saturdays at 12.30pm. Dinner sittings will run from Wednesday to Saturday at 7.30pm.

Diners will be treated to a 10-course meal for a set free of £55. On Saturday's there will be a reduced lunch menu, consisting of three courses for £25.

Miss Mansell added: "There’s so much to do opening up, but we’re prepared and we're looking forward to it.

"The set fee covers the entire evening here and you’re taken care of so it is value for money. I think it's the perfect place to go for a date, everything is done for you, you barely have to think and you'll have a great time!"

To make a reservation visit www.robinwylde.com