He is one of the nation’s favourite disc jockeys renowned for picking tunes to kick-start your day.

But broadcaster and presenter Chris Evans put his hands to different use.

The Radio 2 DJ and One Show host wowed the fans by pulling pints at a New Forest seafront restaurant’s opening night.

He was even joined by a friend – Olympic gold medal winning sailor Ben Ainslie.

Chris, 48, is the new face of The Haven in Lymington after going into partnership with friend and businessman Rob Smith.

Billed as the town’s only seafront restaurant, the Haven has undergone a refurbishment costing tens of thousands of pounds.

It is part of a huge marina complex boasting stunning views of The Solent.

The former TFI Friday Star arrived in town on Friday night to dine with Mr Ainslie and fellow One Show host Alex Jones before returning to the Chewton Glen Hotel, New Milton.

He also popped in the following day and dined on a lobster linguine, mussels, steak cheese and treacle tart in the evening.

Rob, also 48, said: “There was a lot of excitement.

“He’s seen the restaurant as a building site so he is absolutely astounded how it looks now.”

“Of course he wanted to pull a pint behind the bar and make a coffee at the barista station.

“He was chatting to customers some who offered to buy him a drink!”

Chris, from Ascot, Berkshire, already owns three pubs in Surrey, Monmouthshire and West Sussex.

Rob, who he has known him for three years, said: “He’s a good friend of mine and we have common interests in food and wine and making sure people enjoy themselves.

“When I approached him he said he wanted to come on board.”

Chris tweeted on Sunday: “Well done to Rob and The Team @HavenBarBistro for this brilliant re opening weekend.”

Rob is one of Lymington's best-known figures.

In 2012 he painted a postbox gold in honour of Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie after the Royal Mail refused to do it themselves.

Rob was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage but no further action was taken against him.