A rural Cumbrian pub is set to get a taste of Michelin star cuisine when it reopens and after undergoing a complete transformation.

Husband and wife chef duo Jake and Cassie White, who headed one of celebrity chef of Marcus Wareing's London restaurants, are due to open the doors of the new Pentonbridge Inn, north of Longtown, in September.

The couple, who worked as head chef and pastry chef at Marcus at The Berkeley Hotel in London, want to shake up Cumbria's dining scene by bringing an exciting new dining experience to one of the area's most rural pubs.

Jake said: “We are beyond delighted to be opening the Pentonbridge Inn.
"We’ve loved our time at the heart of London’s culinary scene but this opportunity to create something truly special is an opportunity we’ve leapt at.

"For me this is a return to my native north of England and the chance to add something unique to an internationally renowned food destination.

"The Pentonbridge Inn will be a real showcase of the passion we feel for the food of the area and something we’re sure will be enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.”

The pub, 17 miles north of Carlisle, has been brought back to life by Gerald and Margo Smith, of nearby Netherby Hall.


Margo Smith They have led an extensive refurbishment of the pub, formerly known as The Bridge Inn.

As a new venture, it will comprise a main dining room with 45 covers, along with a separate pub area and conservatory.

The new bosses have also pledged that the majority of fruit, vegetables and herbs will come straight from the 1.5-acres of Victorian walled garden and greenhouses at Netherby Hall, which Jake and Cassie have been cultivating, alongside the head gardener.

Local game will be well represented on the menu when in season and meat will be sourced from Lake District Farmers and Millbank Venison, with fish coming from the Solway Firth and suppliers such as Celtic Seafare.

A dog-friendly bar will serve local ales and offer a more informal menu of classic pub dishes.