THE Lowther family is planning to offer a taste of its history and tradition to diners after buying the George and Dragon pub at Clifton, near Penrith.

The family, whose home has been at Lowther since 1283, has begun a major refurbishment of the pub, which is in the heart of the estate and this will allow it to cater for around 100 people in the revamped restaurant.

The project to serve up the best local produce from the family’s organic estate is being led by Charles Lowther, the youngest son of the late Lord Lonsdale.

Charles’s vision is to celebrate country food, culture, heritage and the lifestyle associated with the surrounding area by the dedicated use of fresh produce from the extensive Lowther Estate and served in a family-orientated setting.

Exclusive estate meats and locally sourced food such as fish, eggs, milk and ice cream will be on the menu, along with seasonal vegetables from the estate kitchen gardens. Cheeses, ales and seasonal specialities will also be sourced as locally as possible.

Turning the produce into mouthwatering dishes will be head chef/patron, Paul McKinnon, the cooking prodigy and understudy for 10 years of Terry Laybourn, one of the North East’s most famous chefs.

Charles Lowther said: “This is a really exciting project, which is something of a labour of love for me and my family. We are local people and we know the area well, so we will pride ourselves on doing it properly.

“Paul and I feel very passionate about doing something which celebrates tasty, locally produced food and drink and the local area while still being affordable.

“I want to build on the heritage of the George and Dragon pub, which will also offer quality accommodation.”

Work is already under way at the pub, headed by local firm Birch Construction, and it is hoped it will reopen before the end of June.