Modern European restaurant Tilia opens on Station Street, Cockermouth

Tilia has opened on Station Street in Cockermouth, located in the former Fredericks unit within the town.

Tilia is described as a new modern European restaurant and café through the day, the idea is that the restaurant is open for breakfast and brunch serving things such as smashed avocado and eggs, smoked salmon bagels, French toast

In the evening customers can choose from small plates and starters, pizza's and pastas and then main dishes such as Steak frites, which is said to be 'the most popular at the minute'.

The group of entrepreneurs which includes Mark Varty and Executive Head Chef Jake Malloy have worked hard over the last year to build up their business in West Cumbria

Some of the brunch dishes on offer at Tilia (Image: Supplied)

They own four venues around the area which include the Old Mill, Dearham, the Tithe Tap in Cockermouth, Hunters on Cockermouth Main Street and now Tilia.

Talking about why they decided to open Tilia, Mark said: "I think to us, owning Tithe tap next door then looking at Cockermouth as a community, we just think it's too important of a venue in Cockermouth to let it not be filled.

"When we took it on the decision was what do we do - do we open it up as Fredericks and try and keep the same vibe that that had? But because of who we are and what we do in the community with our other venues, we just thought it was the right thing to do for us to take it, we have done a little bit of a refurb and rebrand and then put our stamp on it which is high quality produce and excellent customer service."

One of the pizza's which is on offer in the new restaurant (Image: Supplied)

When asked what the reception from the public has been like since the restaurant opening, Mark said: "Amazing, we are shocked every single time we consider opening. We are at four venues now and just so grateful to all of West Cumbria.

"We're just young Cockermouth lads trying to create really cool places that have great food and drink for the community that we are part of, and what we get in return is just unbelievable support every time."