ONE of East Lancashire’s top chefs is using the downtime created by the coronavirus outbreak to conjure up some unbeatable dishes.

Like eateries across the globe, Michelin-starred pub the White Swan is on lockdown and faces a bleak summer.

Bosses at the Fence restaurant have thanked their regular customers for their messages of support.

And they teased the fact that head chef Tom Parker is busy at work developing new culinary creations.

Boss Gareth Ostick said: “We are coming to terms with the nation’s lockdown and I’d advise you to follow us on social media if you’d like to stay in contact.

“We are posting regularly with the things we are doing, hopefully they may give you inspiration or make you smile, whatever, it would be great to hear from you. Over the last week you have been sending us amazing messages and we cannot thank you enough for the support you have and still are showing us.

“Your messages truly mean a lot to us and give us the determination to open again as soon as possible to welcome you through our door.

“Tom is currently in research mode so you can expect new exciting things from the kitchen and I’ve got my old joke books out so you’ll be properly entertained in between courses.”