The Keswick Kitchen is on the move despite the pandemic – as they swap their home at Sunset Hill and take over at Keswick Golf Club in Threlkeld.
Jackie and Tim Atwood have operated The Keswick Kitchen and Sunset Supper Club for around two years, but now they will become new franchisees at the golf club where they hope to continue and build on the reputation built up by Stewart Jones who has been at the club for more than three years.
Jackie said: “I know it is a difficult time for the catering industry but when this opportunity came up I felt I just had to grab it, although sometimes I think I must be mad.”
Her aim, once lock-down is over, is to build on the lunch trade, her much lauded Sunday lunches and also evening trade.
She also hopes to build on the evening trade by offering entertainment in the evenings to create more of a 70s social feel.
“I think there is a real gap in the market for a club with proper entertainment.
“Think Wheeltappers and Shunters Club in the 70s.” said Jackie.
“Once the lockdown is over we will increase community activities which will include barbecues and evening events. The golf club has bags of potential and I am looking forward to exciting times ahead.”
Jackie is spending the next two weeks moving from her base at Sunset Hill to the golf club, but once the move is complete she aims to reopen her take-away menu.
Her take-away Sunday lunches have been very popular throughout the pandemic, but she also offers a drop-off dinner option for people wanting a special occasion meal, and take-away afternoon teas.
The Sunset Supper Club will also continue under the same premise, although the name may change.
Executive chef David Jackson will be carrying on providing suppers, including his very popular eight-course taster menu.
Jackie said: “The advantage of Keswick Golf Club is we have the whole of the catering side of the premises.
“But I must say a big thankyou to our present landlord Peter Sidwell who couldn’t have been more helpful when we moved to Sunset Hill and has been a big supporter since.”
Jackie can trace her Cumbrian heritage back over 300 years, rumour has it, she is a descendant of John Peel, not the DJ, but the huntsman of the Blencathra.
She ran a recruitment agency until 2009 when she moved into catering originally at Keswick Rugby Club. Between 2015 and 2018 she operated Greta Gardens Bistro near the town centre until her lease expired.
She then went on to open The Keswick Kitchen and moved to Sunset Hill.
She has been supported by her husband Tim who has spent a lifetime working in the service industry, including managing some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the Lake District.
David is a well known local chef winning many awards to Rosette level for his food.
He is proud to have been personally chosen by the Prince of Wales to cook for many private dining events on his regular visits to Rosthwaite, Borrowdale.
