Award-winning pub unable to serve food after kitchen team walk out

Bosses at the Pentonbridge Inn in Penton, Cumbria, unwillingly had to cancel bookings and point diners in the direction of other restaurants in the area after its head chef and three other members of kitchen staff walked out.

The highly rated pub had hoped to strive towards achieving a Michelin star for its dining quality after winning a ‘Newcomer of the Year’ César Award, dubbed the “Oscars of the hotel industry”.

But despite employing “highly skilled chefs” and boasting a menu of the “very best seasonal food”, the pub is now faced with offering customers a basic breakfast meal.

On Friday, 30 November, management released a statement on their Facebook page notifying customers that their kitchen was closed with 'immediate effect'.

“We were forced to close the kitchen at Pentonbridge Inn with immediate effect following the unexpected departure of four members of our kitchen team,” the post read.

“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.

"Since opening in 2017, Pentonbridge Inn has been recognised nationally for its outstanding hospitality and we are confident that we will continue to offer these exceptional levels of quality and service.”

The news was met with shock by loyal customers who offered their support on social media.

"That’s such a shame – the pub food is brilliant – I had a wonderful time when I came a few weeks ago and would love to come back again,” one person commented.

Another wrote: “Hope you’re up and running again very soon as I had two bookings with you in the next two weeks.”

It is not known why the kitchen staff walked out, but management say they are looking to get their kitchen up and running again soon.

Based on 63 reviews on Google, the pub currently boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of five.