Ribble Valley Inn’s Highwayman Pub in Nether Burrow near Kirkby Lonsdale opened to critical acclaim in 2007 – scooping, amongst other things, the UK Pub Chef of the Year Award in 2009, and representing Nigel Haworth’s signature approach to real, local, seasonal food and premium pub dining experiences.
The Ribble Valley Inn group is small but, with 12 yearsexperience, has an enviable reputation and impressive string of plaudits to their name (all 4 of their original sites hold an AA Rosette and place in the Michelin Pub Guide). Industry heavyweights, Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft of the renowned fine dining restaurant Northcote in Lancashire, are the group’s founders. Their philosophy is to bring that same standard of excellent food and drink, using the very best quality, seasonal and local food, to a relaxed setting.
Head Chef Jason “Bruno” Birkbeck
After 7 successful years, the team decided it was time for a refresh of the premises, and to usher in a new chapter for the pub with the arrival of Head Chef Jason “Bruno” Birkbeck.
A Cumbria lad, hailing from Kendal, and originally learning his craft at Kendal Catering College, Jason (or Bruno as he is known in the industry) is making a return to his roots and settling down in the region with his wife (and former pastry chef) Emma, along with his little boy Oliver, and another addition to the family imminent!
Jason’s impressive career has taken him around the world with the cornerstone of his work though being in some of Scotland and the North of England’s most prestigious kitchens. Training in Switzerland after graduating from college, Jason then returned to The Lake District, ‘cutting his teeth’ at Langdale Hotel and Country Club. Having progressed technically and creatively here, Jason then met Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft when they offered him a job at the Michelin-starred Northcote.
After a break to travel the world, Jason returned to Northcote where he worked under Nigel’s tutorage for 2 years, progressing to sous chef and winning the American Express UK Young Chef of the Year Award. At this stage, highly experienced in fine dining cookery, Jason moved on to The Samling at Ambleside, where he was influential in their being awarded their first Michelin star, followed by the acclaimed Hipping Hall, as Head Chef. Next, he joined The Torridon, in the Highlands of Scotland.
Now, Jason has been offered the opportunity by Nigel and Craig to develop his own menu at The Highwayman. Whilst the food at The Highwayman will retain the Ribble Valley Inn philosophy of excellent, local and seasonal ingredients, and quality over fanfare, Jason’s menu is unique to the group. This is Jason’s own, bespoke take on the Ribble Valley Inns’ values and standards.
Positioned on the ‘tri-county’ border
A very special combination of the pub’s unique position on a ‘tri-county’ border (taking advantage of the best locally sourced ingredients from Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire); Jason’s signature, very individual, creative cookery style; and the classics that Ribble Valley Inns are famed for… this is a menu expected to put this premium food pub even more firmly on the map as a gastro destination.
Food producers starring on the menu include…
- Farm-reared beef from Kitridding Farm in Old Town, Near Kirkby Lonsdale.
- Smoked fish and meat from Lancaster Port Smokehouse in Lancaster.
- Game from Cartmel Valley Game in Cartmel
- Poultry from Reg Johnson’s famous Johnson’s and Swarbrick’s Farm in the Ribble Valley
- Cheeses from the best producers in all 3 of the counties…
- Lancashire Cheese from JJ Sandham.
- Yorkshire Cheese from Shepherd’s Purse Artisan Cheeses.
- Cumbrian Cheese from Winter Tarn Organic Farm
- Liqueurs from Strawberry Bank Liqueurs in the Lythe Valley.
The refurbishment has involved a £200K investment allowing for a refreshed interior. The highly acclaimed design agency Lister Carter were appointed to handle the refurbishment, which, as well as improving the general look and feel of the 18thcentury former coaching inn, features more comfortable surroundings for pre and post dining drinks.
The pub services 130 covers in total and still boasts a fabulous outdoor area for summer dining, as well as crackling fires for cosy dinners in the winter months.
Founder and Executive Chef for Ribble Valley Inns, Nigel Haworth commented:
“It’s an exciting time for The Highwayman. We’ve been working on this development behind the scenes for a while, and I’m really looking forward to unveiling what Bruno’s created here. It’s the first time I’ve handed over the reins that bit more, and I’m really proud of what’s come out of this.”
The Highwayman, Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2RJ
01524 273338
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