A POPULAR country pub and restaurant that closed its doors two years ago has reopened under new management, creating 10 jobs.

The White Mare at Beckermet, west Cumbria, is welcoming guests once more - with great food and the community at the heart of the new owner’s plans.

A series of events are planned for the summer months, and a new food and drinks menu has been launched. There are also plans to reintroduce two special experiences the White Mare became legendary for - Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch.

Kirsty Ridge is managing director of Inno Hospitality Collective, the new owners of the White Mare who already run a number of venues across Cumbria and the north of England She said: “The White Mare is such a fantastic venue. The location is idyllic, and as a pub and restaurant with rooms, it’s really versatile in terms of who it caters for.

“It is managed by Helen Moreland who is from nearby Egremont and is very much looking forward to restoring the White Mare’s reputation as a fantastic place to enjoy a meal or drink.

“We have also moved two of Inno’s top chefs in to help Helen ensure that quality is at the forefront of everything the White Mare does.

“We’re now looking forward to welcoming more and more customers to sample the fantastic menu and great drinks we have on offer.”

At the bar, Lakeland Brewhouse beers will be sold along with a selection of guest ales and bottled drinks and spirits.

The Inno team are additionally working with Grapevine wine services in Cockermouth to ensure a perfectly curated selection of wine variants and vintages are available for guests.

Formerly an 18th Century coaching house, the White Mare underwent a £400,000 refurbishment in 2015 and now comprises eight guest rooms, a restaurant able to cater for 60 guests and a bar area. It is located less than a mile from the A595 and just a few minute's drive from the coast.

It is also available for business and private functions subject to availability.

A beer festival is planned for the summer months and the pub will be joining in with village celebrations to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

To ensure all diners are catered for, a new Young Diners and Old Timers menu will shortly be launched, with portions which cater for those with smaller appetites.

Kirsty said: “It was a huge blow to the local and wider community when the pub closed in 2019. It had started to build such a fantastic reputation and this is something that we are working really hard to pick back up.

“We really do look forward to welcoming members of the community and visitors to the area to this wonderful local pub. I’m delighted it is a part of our select portfolio - and look forward to working with the team to ensure it remains open for many years to come.”