THIS is the first look at Ilex, south Cumbria's new brasserie inside a stately home.

Holker Hall, near Grange-over-Sands, opened the Ilex – the name means 'oak' in Latin – in a converted private dining room earlier this month.

The venture is a collaboration with Campbell and Rowley, caterers at Carmel Racecourse and Holker Garden Festival.

Chef Paul Rowley has created a menu using local produce and ingredients, including herbs and edible flowers grown in the Holker kitchen garden.

There is also a bar made from Burlington Stone’s Broughton Moor slate.

Lucy Cavendish, chairwoman of Holker Group, said: "It gives me enormous pleasure to announce The Ilex as our latest addition at Holker.

“As a family we have always enjoyed food. Not just its creation and consumption but the gathering together of friends and the sharing of food in a warm and welcoming environment.

“To this end I have always wanted to open a restaurant and I am delighted to be able to do so right at the heart of the estate, close to the house, to share with our visitors.”

Holker Hall now has a wedding licence. So couples can be married there and continue their celebrations at the Ilex Brasserie.

The brasserie is open for lunch Wednesdays to Sundays, and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, and can be booked for private functions.