A Michelin star-level chef has taken over a historic Lakes venue in a move that will see a significant investment in the site and new jobs created.
Kevin Tickle, a chef renowned for ‘foraging’ – sourcing food in the wild and incorporating them into his recipes – will be running the Crown Inn, High Newton, in a new business and creative venture with his wife Nicola.
Kevin and Nicola were advised on the acquisition of the business and the lease agreement by Jamie Allison, Head of Real Estate and Cumbria, and David Hill, Real Estate partner at regional law firm Napthens. The Napthens team also helped source funding for the venture, via Penrith-based Enterprise Answers.
Jamie said: “We’re lucky to have Kevin in the Lake District – he’s brought genuine creative thinking to every venue he’s worked for and now we’ll find out what he can do when given free reign at his own establishment.
“Both Kevin and Nicola bring wide experience in everything from food to front of house management and marketing. The Crown is in a relatively untapped area of the Lake District and this will give people another reason to visit that part of the region.”
Kevin’s previous roles have included head chef at The Forest Side in Grasmere where, within eight months of opening, he gained the restaurant a Michelin star, followed swiftly the following year by four AA rosettes for culinary excellence. Prior to this he spent nine years working with Simon Rogan in Cartmel.
Kevin and Nicola Tickle have ambitious plans for the venue including an overhauled kitchen and will offer quality food sourced locally from both trusted local producers and from Kevin’s own foraging expeditions.
Kevin said: “The Crown is a great opportunity for us and I’m excited to take what we’ve learnt over the last 20 years and create our own dining destination. I’m passionate about the ingredients we have, literally on our doorstep, and can’t wait to get behind the stoves to create something interesting.
“There’s a lot of work to do before we open, but we’re looking forward to building a great team and make a real success of The Crown.”
The Crown is a 17th century coaching inn on the edge of Cartmel Fell, around 20 minutes from Junction 36 of the M6. Kevin and Nicola plan to establish a top-class restaurant at the venue, with an emphasis on quality food served in the slate flagged bar area and an interesting drinks selection.
Grahame Latus, chief executive of Enterprise Answers, which provides a range of funding to businesses across the North: “This was just the type of project we’re keen to support – one which offers local entrepreneurs the chance to build their business and attract people to the area, while creating jobs at the same time. We wish Kevin and Nicola all the best with their venture.”
Landlords of The Crown, the Kennedy family, were advised by Graham Bainbridge at Fylde-based LHT solicitors.
