The landlords and Big Brother-winning head chef of a Cotebrook pub are toasting to the taste of sweet success as it reaches its one-year milestone with its current licensees.

Experienced publicans Harry and Julie Challinor, who have run establishments in Kendal and Spain, took over the Alvanley Arms in February, 2013.

Harry said: “We took over The Alvanley Arms last year. Unfortunately, the pub had lost the high level reputation and popularity that had been previously associated with such a beautiful country pub. On our first day we made a list of the things that we wanted to change; we wanted to go back to basics.”

In keeping with Harry and Julie’s mantra of proper restaurant food at pub prices, the reimagining of the Robinson’s pub has seen the debut of a new menu, championed by classically trained head chef Luke Anderson who catapulted to fame when he became a contestant on the 13th series of Big Brother and went on to win.

Head chef Luke Anderson has championed the pubs new menu
Head chef Luke Anderson has championed the pubs new menu

Luke said: “We’ve been really focused on creating a menu which complements the homely feel of the pub. I am particularly proud of our game pie, made daily using fresh, handmade pastry. We don’t skimp on portion size or quality and the menu is finally what you would expect from such an idyllic country pub: full bodied, rustic, homely food.”

Harry said: “Previously, The Alvanley Arms only had some specials on a blackboard. Now we have a fantastic core menu with midweek specials. It’s been a huge change and one that hasn’t gone unnoticed by our customers. Many of them come through the door and tell us ‘the old Alvanley is back!’ – which is great to hear.”

A trained baker, Harry has started baking bread using the yeast from Robinsons’ Unicorn ale.

Julie said they are ‘huge supporters of the British ale revival’.

“It’s a win-win situation: Our menu is winning over food lovers and drinkers are coming in because the pub really is the only place to get a decent pint of cask ale – the two go hand in hand,” she said.

The Alvanley Arms is open daily for drinks, food and accommodation. For more information, call 01829 760200 or visit www.alvanleyarms.co.uk .