An award-winning bistro in Grasmere has said goodbye to its head chef.

Will Manley has been a key part of The Yan since it opened in 2019, but following the birth of his second child and a year away from work due to injuries, he's decided to spend more time with his family.

Mr Manley is the son-in-law of The Yan owners, Dave and Sally Keighley.

During his absence, the kitchen has been managed by Georgina Keighley-King, operations director, chef and daughter of the owners.

(L) Sam Thomas and (R) Georgina Keighley-King (Image: Supplied) She will continue her role, developing the bistro's seasonal menus with her team.

Ms Keighley-King has been with the family business since 2022.

She joined after six years at Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside, where she was head chef.

The kitchen team will now be led by Sam Thomas, a Kendal College alumnus who has been part of The Yan family since 2020.

Shepherds pie at The Yan bistro (Image: Supplied) Ms Keighley-King said: "It’s a real testament to Will’s guidance and training that, whilst he’s been away from the kitchen, Sam, supported by our amazing team, has been consistently delivering the same excellent quality food and drink to our guests and diners.

"It goes without saying how much we’ll all miss Will, but it’s important to look to the future and what promises to be an exciting time for The Yan with the rest of the highly skilled team continuing to step up and show what they can deliver.

"During his extended absence from the business, first through injury, then paternity leave, he’s been able to spend a lot more time at home with the kids and wants to continue with that.

"It’s bittersweet, but it’s been great to see him thrive in the precious time he’s spent with Jess and their boys, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.

"Whatever direction his new career follows, we wish him all the best and have no doubt he’ll be successful.

"In the meantime, it’s very much business as usual at The Yan.

"We’ve just launched our new seasonal winter menu, which will see the team delivering much more of the same fresh, flavour-packed food, created using locally sourced produce, that our customers know and love.

"And of course it includes our epic Sunday Roasts, majestic Sharing Boards, and famous Shepherd’s Pie. Classic winter warmers!”