Pentonbridge Inn

The story

Pentonbridge Inn: Michelin-Starred Modern British Dining in Longtown, Cumbria

A Coaching Inn on the Border

On the English-Scottish border, in the once hotly contested 'Debatable Lands', Pentonbridge Inn offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Under owners Gerald and Margo Smith, the former coaching inn underwent extensive renovations and re-opened in late 2017, creating a space dedicated to the exceptional produce of Cumbria and the UK.

The Kitchen and Its Larder

Head Chef Chris Archer leads the kitchen, drawing on a natural Cumbrian larder he describes as "a joy". The team benefits from the simultaneous restoration of Netherby Hall and its walled garden, just three miles down the road, which provides the freshest produce all year round. This hyper-local sourcing is the foundation of the Modern British tasting menus, where the quality of the ingredients is allowed to speak for itself.

The close-knit team pursues excellence without pretension, crafting a quietly luxurious experience for guests. This philosophy has earned the Inn a Michelin star, first awarded in April 2023 and proudly retained in subsequent years. The recognition reflects the kitchen's commitment to refined simplicity and the finest regional ingredients.

The Experience

Whether enjoying the delights of the kitchen team or relaxing fireside with a glass of wine or local beer, the atmosphere is one of genuine hospitality. The dining room is a space for unhurried evenings, where the focus remains squarely on the plate and the company. With a menu that changes with the seasons and the walled garden's harvest, each visit offers a fresh perspective on the best of Cumbrian produce.