THE PUNCH Bowl Inn & Restaurant at Crosthwaite has appointed a new General Manager to head up its award-winning front of house team.

Claudiu Onofrei has joined the Punch Bowl from the Gilpin Hotel in Windermere where he spent three and a half years in various roles at the Michelin-starred establishment.

Originally from Romania, well-travelled Claudiu lived in Greece for nine years where he managed a small fish tavern before moving to the UK with wife, Lenka.

Claudiu started his career as a photographer in his native Romania and worked as a cameraman for the local TV news station before being drawn toward a career in hospitality.

Claudiu credits Punch Bowl owner, Richard Rose with helping him reach the decision to accept the job. He said: “Richard’s not a boss, he’s a leader."