Michael Heathcote, Chef Proprietor of the Duke of York’s love of cooking stems from his childhood when his grand parents owned a bakery in Blackburn producing biscuits.

Michael Heathcote, Chef Proprietor of the Duke of York, Grindleton, was raised in Pleasington, Nr. Blackburn and his love of cooking stems from his childhood when his grand parents owned a bakery in Blackburn producing biscuits.

During his apprenticeship years Michael worked in several establishments the first of which was Pale Hall, North Wales. He then joined the kitchen at The Foxfields Restaurant, Billington, Whalley during the 1980’s where he continued his training and development for two years and followed this with a period as Sous Chef at The Auctioneer Restaurant, Clitheroe.

Michael then gained invaluable experience for 18 months working in top kitchens in America, Canada and Australia before heading back to the U.K.

In 1995 he joined the Borrowdale Gates Country House Hotel, Nr. Keswick as Head Chef and led the kitchen there for a total of 8 years achieving 2 AA Food Rosettes and entries in the Good Food Guide every year.

This low - ceilinged inn, with its stone-flagged floors and nooks and crannies re-opened in December 2007 under new ownership and has undergone a thorough but sympathetic refurbishment whilst retaining it’s traditional charms, giving it a new lease of life and a fresh outlook. There’s room for a few drinkers at the bar but the place is driven from the kitchen by Chef Proprietor Michael Heathcote who cooks honest food with robust flavours.

The mood inside is casual and welcoming and in wintertime a crackling log fire and slowly cooked dishes make ‘The Duke’ feel special. In the summer months you can dine outside in the lovely garden.

Up to fifty people can be seated in the restaurant making it the ideal venue for a private occasion such as a wedding, family celebration or relaxed dinner party. Special menus can be offered to suit your personal tastes and requirements.

This is a perfect place to enjoy great food and drink - we look forward to welcoming you.

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