A chef is cooking up a storm after being chosen to create food for a new gastro pub that is one of the stars of a BBC TV show.

Scott Closson, a chef at the Merienda in Keswick, is working on the set of The A Word, starring Christopher Eccleston, and says the experience is “absolutely brilliant”.

Producers and researchers from the show, which is filming in the Lake District, popped into the Merienda to try some of Scott’s food last year and were impressed.

He said: “They came in and ate a few times and had a look at the kitchen in the restaurant.

“They thought it might be nice to try fresh menus for the gastro pub in the TV series and they liked what I cook. I’d say it is contemporary fusion cuisine – the sort of thing you would see more of in London. It’s not your standard pub food.

“I make things like avocado fries. It’s inventive food and I think that’s what drew them in.”

When the BBC started choosing film locations they asked Scott if he would create the food for the pub in the show.

Scott, from Cockermouth, said: “This is a first for them and they are very excited about the idea of using an actual chef. Usually they buy food for the set from Tesco and it gets thrown away at the end of the day’s filming. They are actually eating my food.”

Scott says he likes to use local produce and one thing he cooks is cod fresh from the local waters at Gilcrux.

“Christopher Eccleston is really nice and he actually came and introduced himself – as if I didn’t know who he was. He’s been eating my food and has enjoyed it.”

The cast are staying at The Inn on the Square in Keswick town centre and travel to film locations in Coniston and Thirlmere, where the gastro pub has been created in a converted cow shed.

“You would never guess. The stainless steel cooker hood is made from wood but it looks so real,” said Scott.

The six-part drama is the story of the Hughes family who struggle when their youngest son is diagnosed with autism.

Scott said: “The storyline is primarily about the boy with autism and their everyday life which involves opening a gastro pub.

“It’s great to have them around, especially after the floods as it has brought a positive vibe to Keswick during the clean-up.”

Young actors from the Carlisle-based Lakeside Casting Agency play different parts in the TV show.

Phil McKay from Lakeside Casting Agency said: “There are hundreds of extras, local school children and dozens of teenagers all from this area.

“When I got the filming schedule through I got a shock at the many different characters they were looking for.

“They were looking for people to play hikers, tourists, workmen, foremen, villagers, police officers, school children and teenagers.

“It’s positive that the filming went ahead despite the floods that have affected so many people in the county, it gives them a boost.

“The show must go on and for the local people it has been nice to see that it went ahead and having Christopher Eccleston knocking around. It’s been great for the community.”

Filming is due to finish next week and the show is expected to be screened in the spring. A second series is also planned.