CELEBRITY chef Rick Stein has spoken about his exciting plans for his first Wiltshire restaurant.

His company was given planning permission last month to transform Lloran House in Marlborough High Street into a restaurant for 100 diners.

The self-titled Rick Stein restaurant is his family's first Wiltshire business and follows new restaurants opened in Sandbanks, Winchester and also Porthleven and Fistral in Cornwall. A date has yet to be set when the restaurant in Marlborough will open.

“When I first saw the building in High Street I thought what a perfect restaurant it would make,” Mr Stein said.

“For the menu I’m thinking a strong element of local meat and game, but with many of our favourite seafood dishes from Padstow too.

“I’m very much in favour of local food and we’ll be looking to highlight some of the best produce in Wiltshire.”

With the lease signed, Mr Stein’s business partner and ex-wife Jill Stein, her son Ed, and daughter-in-law, Kate will start the interior design.

Ms Stein said: “Ed, Kate and I are working on a country townhouse feel.

“It will be inspired by Marlborough’s rich heritage and the beautiful old building and location will be key to our design.

“It will be different from our other restaurants, more traditional with warmer colours, but we’ll still have a few subtle nods to our coastal roots.

"We love this part of the process, seeking inspiration from the local surroundings and selecting all the finishing touches. We’re very excited.”

Last year saw Rick and Jill celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

From humble beginnings the business now employs over 450 people and includes ten restaurants, hotel and self-catering accommodation, retail outlets and a cookery school. Rick and Jill are both still at the helm, with all three sons involved in the business.

The team currently have a number of career opportunities in managerial, kitchen and front of house positions available. Those interested should go to: rickstein.com/careers.

Interested diners can keep up to date with the latest news and developments from the new Marlborough restaurant at www.rickstein.com or @SteinMarlb on Twitter.