Pentonbridge Inn brings in Curtis Stewart to revive food offering after walkout

Chef Curtis Stewart has been brought in by Pentonbridge Inn, Carlisle to revive the site's food offering after staff walked out at the end of November.

He is currently the only member of the kitchen team after Gary McDermott and other staff members walked out before service on 30 November. With Stewart at the pass, the two-AA-rosette-winning site has now begun to offer a pub menu as the inn looks to rebuild its back of house team.

David Hair, general manager at Pentonbridge Inn said:"At this stage, we are delighted to reintroduce a selection of pub dishes to our bar customers, whilst we work on the next important phase for the inn."

The restaurant with rooms remained closed into December following the walkout. Bookings were cancelled while the inn transported diners to other restaurants to meet their needs.

At the time a spokesperson for the Pentonbridge Inn said: "On the evening of Friday 30 November, we were forced to close the kitchen at Pentonbridge Inn with immediate effect following the unexpected departure of four members of our kitchen team. As we had no notice of this walkout, we were forced to rearrange hospitality where we possibly could for those guests who had reservations for that evening. This involved arranging transport to other local restaurants. Naturally, this has been incredibly disappointing for guests and we offer all those affected our unreserved apologies."

Pentonbridge Inn was well received across 2018, including being shortlisted for The Caterer's Menu of the Year Award and being named Newcomer of the Year in the 2019 Good Hotel Guide.

The venue is owned by Gerald and Margo Smith, who also own nearby Netherby Hall.

Get The Caterer every week on your smartphone, tablet, or even in good old-fashioned hard copy (or all three!).