THE WINNERS of the BBC2 series, The Restaurant opened their new restaurant, The Cheerful Soul at the Hare and Hounds in Buckinghamshire this week.

Michelle English and Russell Clement, from Woolacombe, won the prize of opening a restaurant with top chef and restaurateur Raymond Blanc, after triumphing in the final last October in which they had to cook for passengers aboard the Orient Express.

They opened their new restaurant on Tuesday, with a menu taking inspiration from seasonal British produce.

It includes South coast crab and clotted cream tart and many of the herbs and vegetables used come from the small garden created by the couple behind the restaurant.

The couple have spent three months renovating the pub, which is home to the restaurant, exposing old beams and opening up rooms to allow the sunlight to flood in.

It features two bars, one dedicated to locals, offering a variety of British beers, including hand pulled ales and Pimms on tap — and the 60 to 70 cover restaurant initially open for lunch and dinner five and a half days a week.