Gary McDermott replaces Jake and Cassie White at Pentonbridge Inn

Gary McDermott has been appointed head chef at Pentonbridge Inn in Cumbria following the departure of Jake and Cassie White.

The Whites relaunched the restaurant and pub with nine bedrooms in September 2017 but left in May for personal reasons.

New head chef Gary McDermott joins from his previous head chef role at Lancrigg Hall at Grasmere. He will continue the inn's work with the head gardener at nearby Netherby Hall, which is also owned by Gerald and Margo Smith, to produce seasonal, locally-sourced dishes.

He said: "I've had the privilege of working at some superb restaurants, and I'm delighted to have been appointed as Pentonbridge Inn's head chef. I am very much looking forward to welcoming guests and to further strengthen the Inn's reputation as a foodie destination."

"We have put plans in place for the garden's 2019 offering and I'm really excited about what we are offering in the restaurant and pub. That our meat and fish is sourced locally is also very important to me, and I am confident that our latest menu will be a real showcase of the passion we feel for the food of the area."

Gerald and Margo Smith added: "Gary brings with him a wealth of experience and we are very pleased to welcome him to Pentonbridge Inn."

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