A luxury accommodation and wedding venue on the outskirts of Carlisle has recently welcomed two top chefs.

Hidden River Cabins, located in Longtown, confirmed the news on Facebook that respected chefs Jonathon Watson and Ben Queen-Fryer would be joining the restaurant team. 

Ben is a Michelin-star chef, having seen his Dog and Gun pub in Skelton awarded the prestigious prize back in 2022, while The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite, also won Michelin pub of the year under Jonathon's stewardship.

On Facebook, Hidden River Cabins wrote: "We are thrilled to announce the news that respected Chefs Jonathon Watson and Ben Queen-Fryer have joined us here at Hidden River Cabins.

"Both bring an abundance of talent and experience with them which will further improve our irresistible wedding food alongside delicious new exciting dishes in our restaurant. 

"Their food will encompass the ethos of relaxed excellence here at Hidden River, bringing new and inspiring flavours using the best local suppliers.

"Jonny joins us from the Drunken Duck, Ambleside where he was the head chef for 14 years. During his time there he won a Catey award, Dining Pub of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, alongside other accolades.

"Ben, alongside this is chef and co-owner of The Dog and Gun, Skelton, which opened in 2017. After holding Cumbria’s only Michelin Bib Gourmand for three years they won a Michelin Star in 2022 and retain in 2023 and 2024. He’s previously worked at The Plough, as well as The Drunken Duck and The Punchbowl.

"Ben and Jonny met in 2007 when Jonny interviewed Ben for a commis chef position at the The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite and they have been friends ever since. They have worked with each other over the years since then in several different restaurants.

Their aim at Hidden River is “to create food that matches the wonderful setting of Hidden River, and the broader Cumbrian countryside. We’re so lucky to have some of the best produce on our doorstep and we intend to make full use of that. We want Hidden River to be relaxed and accessible to all, with great food.”