After seven successful years, Ribble Valley Inns Highwayman Pub, in Nether Burrow near Kirkby Lonsdale, 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.
Jasons impressive career has taken him around the world with the cornerstone of his work though being in some of Scotland and the North of Englands 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.
Influential
After a break to travel the world, Jason returned to Northcote where he worked under Nigels 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.
His two and half-year stint at The Samling enhanced Jasons reputation further and he then moved to the acclaimed Hipping Hall, as Head Chef, where he spent 4 and half years, helping them to develop their excellent reputation.
A post at prestigious luxury hotel and restaurant, The Torridon, in the Highlands of Scotland followed, where he spent another successful 4 and a half years before the arrival of his little boy led Jason back to his roots This move back to Cumbria in turn brought Jason full circle as he was offered an opportunity by Nigel and Craig to develop his own menu at The Highwayman.
Its been such an exciting journey so far, but my hearts always been in this part of the world comments Jason Ive stayed in touch with Nigel ever since Northcote where he gave me my first opportunity to learn seriously about fine food. Hes always kept an eye on what Im doing, and so for him to offer me this opportunity not too far from where I grew up, now Ive started my own family, is perfect. Ive always wanted to run a food pub, despite all my fine dining training, and so The Highwayman represents, for me, the most exciting time of my career.
While the food at The Highwayman will retain the Ribble Valley Inn philosophy of excellent, local and seasonal ingredients, and quality over fanfare, Jasons menu is unique to the group. This is Jasons own, bespoke take on the Ribble Valley Inns values and standards.
A very special combination of the pubs unique position on a tri-county border (taking advantage of the best locally sourced ingredients from Cumbria, Yorkshire and Lancashire); Jasons 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.
The pub services 130 covers in total and still boasts an 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: Its an exciting time for The Highwayman. Weve been working on this development behind the scenes for a while, and Im really looking forward to unveiling what Brunos created here. Its the first time Ive handed over the reigns that bit more, and Im really proud of whats come out of this.
The pub is open Monday Saturday 12noon 11pm, and Sunday 12noon 10pm. Food will be served all day from lunch, through to Afternoon Bites then dinner.
The Highwayman, Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2RJ. Tel: 01524 273338 www.highwaymaninn.co.uk