A FAMED East Lancashire restaurateur is hoping to turn heads with his latest venture.

Paul Heathcote, the man behind the Longridge and Olive Press eateries, is opening up The Northern, in Bolton's Albert Halls, later this month.

Working jointly with the borough council there, the venture has involved the transformation of the former Dido suite canteen.

Mr Heathcote said the restaurant would trade on the "honest, solid, strong, reliable and down-to-earth" traits it took from the town it will serve.

He added: "The restaurant will feature all off these characteristics, food drawing inspiration from the past, reinventing dishes for 2019.

"Who doesn't love a great pudding, sweet or savoury made well?

"The Northern will celebrate wonderful food from all over the north of England from poor man's crumpets with potted salmon to pudding in't rag, Eccles cakes with ice cream — and of course Heathcotes renowned bread and butter pudding."

The announcement has as the Lancashire chef has seen his catering work with Bolton Wanderers and the Whites Hotel come to an end this week, due to the club's administration. He still has a similar deal at Preston North End's Deepdale ground.

Earlier this month he also announced on Twitter that he had finished renovating the Longridge premises where he earned two Michelin stars.

He is hoping the site will be used as office, though there is the opportunity for some lived-in accommodation.

The last of his Lancashire restaurants, the Olive Press and Heathcote's Brasserie, in Preston, were sold after he confirmed he wanted to develop his contract catering arm, in 2016.