A chef who took over a well known St Albans restaurant has said trying to make his own mark has been a challenge, but has many plans for the year ahead.

Highly experienced Phil Thompson, 36, took over Thompson @Darcy's, formerly-known as Darcy's, last November after working as Executive Head Chef at L'Auberge du Lac in Welwyn, where he held a Michelin star for four years.

Over the last 20 years Mr Thompson has worked for some of the best chefs and in some of the top restaurants in London, including The Lainsborough, Orrery, St Martin's Lane Hotel and L'Escargot.

He said: "Trying to find our own brand has been a challenge, with lots of obstacles along the way. The main challenges have been changing the customer expectation from what they're used to because we took over a well-established successful restaurant with a great reputation.

"Over the last year we have worked to turn things on its head and make our own mark, which met with more resistance in the initial three to four months than we see now.

"The team has been amazing and a vital part of our success so far. We've learned to listen to the content of customers' critique and learn from our mistakes, and we are now starting to feel that customers embrace, appreciate and value what we do."

The restaurant has since been rated 5 in The Good Food Guide and received two AA Rosettes.