Tucked away at Santon Bridge between Gosforth and Wasdale is West Cumbria CAMRA’s Summer Pub of the Season. The Bridge Inn has been run by Lesley Rhodes and John Morrow for the past seven years. Lesley comes originally from Rochdale but lived nearby in Irton from the age of 15; John is a Glaswegian. They have been in the pub trade together for 12 years, running the Midland at Lazonby and the Ship in Thursby. They were approached by Jennings to take over the licence of the Bridge, and they have now bought a 20 year lease under Jennings’ Innventures scheme. Two years ago they also bought the Globe in Gosforth, now being run under a lease arrangement by Karen Egloff.

The Bridge is an old coaching inn, dating back to the 18th century, which has had a series of subsequent additions, and was completely renovated when John and Lesley took it over. John explains that locals tell of beer being served from two barrels on the kitchen table. There is now a bistro as well as a large function room. Most of the 18 bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, and there is a good trade both during the week and at weekends, fulfilling the Bridge’s mission to ‘be a home from home for the tired business person and the weary fellwalker’. Customers also come from the nearby Old Post Office camp site.

Food is overseen by head chef Andrew Nixon from Cleator Moor and second chef Stuart McKenzie from Gosforth. Lesley prides herself on providing real food, sourced locally as much as possible. Organic meat comes from Bridge End Farm next door. Local specialities include Lamb Jennings and Cumberland sausage. Sunday carveries are very popular as are monthly curry nights.

There is a selection of beers from the Jennings range and Lesley takes full advantage of their guest beer portfolio. The Bridge applied for Cask Marque as soon as it started, and both John and Lesley are members of the British Innkeeping Institute. The bar and cellar are expertly managed by Ian Cripps who, with his wife Maureen, will be remembered by readers, from the Lion and Lamb in Gosforth. Lesley is also very keen to ensure all her bar staff are well trained in cellarmanship and actively encourages them to study. She firmly believes that hospitality is a trade to be proud of.

The Bridge has set an example in rural pub diversification; not only is the pub licensed for civil marriage ceremonies, but it also hosts an internet café. The weekly quiz raises funds for local charities, and the annual World’s Biggest Liar competition is also held at Santon Bridge.

The enthusiasm which John and Lesley put into their pub has been recognised by Cumbrian Newspapers, where the Bridge has twice been runner up in Cumberland News Country Pub of the Year ‘Herdy’ awards. John and Lesley also reached the national final of the BII Licensee of the Year award a couple of years ago. CAMRA are pleased to add to the list of achievements by making the award of West Cumbria Pub of the Season.

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