A star hotelier known for her quest to salvage some of Britain's worst-run hotels praised a Cumbrian restaurant and B&B - when she ate there three times this week.

Alex Polizzi, who presents Channel 5's The Hotel Inspector, stopped off for a bite to eat at The Queens at Warwick on Eden with a team of seven others.

The group, who are believed to be filming in the area, then called back to book in for an evening meal that night and lunch the following day. They also enjoy a coffee at the Posting Pot in nearby Wetheral.

It was a surprise visit for restaurant owners Jo and Richard Fenn but the popular eatery is no stranger to star guests, having previously waited on comedians John Bishop - on two occasions - and Bill Bailey as well as Michael Ball.

Not wanting to scare their celebrity guest away, Jo and Richard didn't ask too many questions but they did seize the opportunity to grab a photo with Alex.

"I noticed her a soon as she walked in. It was a bit of a surprise," said Jo, who runs front of house.

"We both watch [The Hotel Inspector] and just watched Alex Polizzi's Secret Italy. I really liked that one.

"It did look like they were a team and they did mention that they were filming somewhere but I didn't want to pry too much. I waited until she was about to go before I even went over to speak to her."

Alex tucked in to the posh fish finger sandwich when she dined at the Queens on Wednesday before she and the team left for some shots at the River Eden.

Chef Richard said: "I just asked if the food was okay and she said it was really delightful and it was lovely.

"It's nice to know someone who knows what they are talking about appreciates the things that you do.

He added: "It's just nice to see people coming in. That's our fourth kind of famous person. It's good. It's very rare up here that you get to do it."