george and dragon, clifton taste of cumbria award winners 2011...

"More than just local! What makes the George and Dragon so special is that its inspiration, history, passion and produce come from the owner's family estate - the Lowther Estate which has been producing food for more than 800 years. Great food served by knowledgeable and friendly staff in a lovely atmosphere. A real taste experience."  Taste of Cumbria Award Judge

In 2008, the George and Dragon was bought by Charles Lowther and his mother Caroline Lonsdale, who extensively refurbished and re-opened it as a country inn with ten bedrooms. Their winning philosophy is to use food grown on their family estate wherever possible. The Lowther Estate has been producing meat and vegetables for over 800 years. Charles' background is in farming and had previously run a food business supplying meats from their family farms, so they already had a good understanding of how to link up the supply chain right down to the pub table. In 2005 Charles met Paul McKinnon, the head chef at the George and Dragon, and together they started hatching a plan to make their shared passion a reality.

Since opening the George and Dragon, the team there have worked tirelessly to bring excellent produce to their many diners. They have developed a reputation for continuously changing their menu depending on what is available at the time. A wide range of vegetables and fruit from their kitchen gardens in Askham are brought in by Colin the gardener throughout the year and Gregor, the estate stalker, makes a delivery to the George and Dragon on a regular basis (whether it be roe venison, red venison, rabbits, or other game). And of course there are regular deliveries by Frank, the local butcher of Charles' beef cattle, pigs or lambs. Wild mushrooms, fruit and salad leaves such as wild garlic are locally foraged for whenever possible.