A PROTEGE of one of the UK's most famous chefs is embarking on a new adventure as head chef of a city pub's restaurant.

Sam Lounds graduated from the Jamie Oliver-inspired Fifteen Cornwall in 2007 and has now taken over the kitchen of the Waterfront, West Hoe.

This is the first time the 25-year-old has been given the role of head chef, after previously working at a number of other restaurants.

"It's my first time running a kitchen and a fantastic challenge," said Sam.

"The Waterfront produces fabulous food which is not overly ambitious. It's a traditional, but refined, menu using wonderful local ingredients. It's a winning recipe.

"My time at Fifteen Cornwall gave me the best grounding and entry-level knowledge of the catering industry, which I'm delighted to have progressed in the past few years. It was a brilliant experience."

The Waterfront, part of the St Austell Brewery estate, reopened in the summer and is run by landlord Chris Evans.

It had previously fallen into disrepair after the former occupier closed the doors, blaming the economy, a poor summer last year and expenses incurred by being tied to a brewery.

Now Sam has put his stamp on the restaurant with a special chocolate brownie that took months to perfect, as well as his signature pan-fried sea bass.

"I love what I do and I'm bursting with ideas," said Sam.