THE TV chef behind South Bucks latest fine dining restaurant said he has had his eyes on the idyllic riverside spot for years.

Atul Kochhar - the first ever Michelin starred Indian chef - bid for the Marlow premises last time round when Aubergine moved into the Macdonald Compleat Angler restaurant.

He said he is delighted to have finally sealed the deal, revealing he is no stranger to the town and what it has to offer.

And the innovative restaurateur said he is looking forward to nestling in alongside the town’s star talent and fellow Indian cooks from next month when he opens Sindhu by Atul Kochhar.

He said: "I tried to get it the first time round, so I’m glad it has finally come to me.

“I’m very excited. It is just the most impressive location, and you get a fantastic view on the way down to the hotel.

"I have eaten there (in Marlow) a number of times and I know Tom Kerridge well, he is a fellow chef and friend.

"It is a vibrant town, it only has a small High Street but it’s always bustling.

"I have eaten at Maliks and I’m very appreciative of them. My approach will be a little different so we will add to the food scene rather than take away from it."

Atul describes his dishes as a "marriage between new and old" – mixing classical Indian flavours and methods with new techniques.

And he said he will take a slightly different approach to his existing restaurants to bring something entirely new for Marlow diners.

Atul hopes Sindhu will be open in early November.