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The young and ambitious kitchen team is lead by Phil Corrie, a dynamic and inventive graduate of Kendal College.  When asked ‘why now?’ was the right time to launch a Tasting Menu, Phil commented:

“We’ve run a regular series of Tasting Evenings for the past 18 months and they seem to have really struck a chord with our customers. So we decided to take it to the next level and introduce a Tasting Menu. It complements our ‘A La Carte’ menu as it allows our customers to experience more of our dishes as well as to try dishes that our exclusive to the Tasting Menu.”

Restaurant Tasting Menus have been growing in popularity over the last few years. 1863’s Tasting Menu is available every evening for up to eight people and guests can expect creative seasonal dishes that contrast texture and temperature.

Asked about where he takes inspiration from, the Head Chef said:

“We’re so fortunate to have such wonderful quality local produce on our doorstep and in our hedgerows, I literally keep an eye for what’s looking great and create dishes around that. And I have to confess to having a bit of an obsession for recipe books – I must have at least 200 books at home ranging from modernist bibles like Reni Redzepi and Noma to my Nanna’s heirlooms.”

Summer Berries

In just two years since opening in May 2016, 1863 has quickly made a name for itself as a venue and team that punch above their weight. Not only have they secured an AA Rosette, but 1863 were also Cumbria Tourism Awards finalists and won the Cumbria Life Food and Drink ‘Readers’ Choice Award earlier this year.

Previously known as Elm House Bed and Breakfast, 1863’s owners, Mark and Anne Vause, moved to the area from Blackburn in 2008 and spent eight years running the award-winning B&B. In November 2015, the entrepreneurial couple had already made the ambitious decision to close to undertake a £500,000 refurbishment project and relaunch in early Summer 2016 as 1863 Bar Bistro Rooms. Despite the dreadful storms of Winter 2015/16 and ensuing challenges, the establishment opened on time and on budget in late May.

1863 Bar Bistro Rooms is located in the heart of Pooley Bridge, just a stone’s throw from Ullswater.   The bistro opens at 6pm daily.  Tasting Menus MUST be booked at least 24 hours in advance either online or by calling 017684 86334.  Gift vouchers are available online at www.1863ullswater.co.uk.   For further information, all the latest menus and to book, visit www.1863ullswater.co.uk.

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In addition, its long and colourful history has been brought to life through a new website designed to highlight its fascinating architecture and connections that span both the millennia and the globe. Located between the villages of Tirril and Pooley Bridge, Barton Church is a popular and much-loved local place of worship that has played a part in the lives of thousands of locals over the centuries. Dating back to the 12th century, it has celebrated the key moments in the year for the local community together with births, marriages and deaths of generations of Barton parishioners as well as families from the Penrith area and much further afield.

Barton Church – Photo by Steven Barber

In addition, it is home to many points of architectural interest and significance.  From the highly unusual Norman double arch at the heart of the church to the 13th century bust of Edward Longshanks, the Canadian connections commemorated in the maple leaves found in the stained glass windows to the Washington family coat of arms – a precursor to the ‘Stars and stripes’ found at various points around the church, it is a true melting pot.  Thanks to this project, visitors can now learn in detail about the church’s heritage and architecture via a new dedicated website – www.barton-church-ullswater.uk

Back in the real world, however,time and weather have taken their toll on this historic building.  The last three, five-yearly, inspections have highlighted the progressive deterioration in the pointing of the exterior walls, particularly to the tower, and to the roof ridge stones and gable copings.  Now that the complex and extensive scaffolding is in place James Innerdale, the specialist Conservation Architect who is advising the Parochial Church Council, is now able to better assess the extent of the remedial work required.

Henry Pitt, Churchwarden and Project Team Leader commented:

“It was always understood that the full extent of the work would only become clear once the scaffolding was in place.  We are pleased that we have been able to place the contracts for the scaffolding and the stonework with experienced local contractors; Eden Scaffolding and Lake District Lime respectively and are confident that the fabric of the church will be repaired and improved so that generations to come can enjoy this remarkable building.”

L to R James Innersole Henry Pitt Jayne Potts Cyril Wilson Bill Pretswell Rev David Wood – Picture by Steven Barber

There are several ways that visitors can support the church.  Despite the work onsite, the church remains open every day to visitors from all over the UK and beyond. Regular Sunday services are held (details can be found on the website).

However, perhaps the very best way to show support is to enjoy a guided tour lead by academics and volunteers this September.  Barton Church Heritage Open Days will be held on Friday 7, Saturday 8 (10.30am and 2.30pm both days) and Sunday 9 September (11.45am and 3pm) followed the week after on Friday 14, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September at the same times as the previous week.  Tours are free and last approximately 1 hour.  Why not bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds before or after a tour?

Barton Church is located between the villages of Tirril and Pooley Bridge, a 15 minute drive from Penrith and the M6 motorway and is open to visitors at all times.  This heritage project has been funded thanks to pledges from the local community amounting to £15,000 plus grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Headley Trust, the Wolfson Trust, AllChurches, Jill Franklin and Alan Evans Memorial Trusts.  For further information visit www.barton-church-ullswater.uk

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However, the #SpiritofCumbria kept everyone going. The whole community has pulled together to ensure that people had food and shelter and that businesses could get back up and running.

We are proud to report that a replacement bridge has been put in place in Pooley Bridge that will connect both sides of Ullswater again. The local council hopes that this will be up and running by Easter.

So, if you’ve been thinking of visiting the Lake District and were worried about the affect of the floods and have heard about Pooley Bridge falling down, then fear not, Ullswater is ‘Open for Business’. There are numerous places to stay and things to do – you’d never even know we had such awful weather a few months ago. The lambs are already jumping around in the fields and Wordworth’s famous daffodils are starting to bloom, so we’re hoping that by Easter we will have lovely weather for you too!

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