Mark Pounton to launch The Ancient Shepherds
Poynton will lead the kitchen alongside Chris Lee, whose previous experience includes over a decade at Suffolk venues such as the Bildeston Crown, where he held three AA rosettes
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Michelin star chef Mark Poynton is set to launch a new restaurant, The Ancient Shepherds, three miles outside Cambridge in Fen Ditton.
Set in the former premises of his earlier venture, MJP at The Shepherds, the restaurant will open in partnership with long-time village residents and business owners Gareth and Emma John.
The project marks a new chapter for Poynton, who recently received a Michelin star for his Norwich-based restaurant, Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall.
The new restaurant is housed in a former pub dating back to 1580. Refurbished under Emma John’s direction, the space combines original brickwork with a “muted” colour palette and contemporary ceramic slate-topped tables. Local artists will get a chance to display their work on the walls.
The site includes five refurbished guest rooms, which can be booked independently or with a dining reservation. The restaurant will seat up to 34 diners, with a lounge area for drinks before or after meals.
Poynton will lead the kitchen alongside Chris Lee, whose previous experience includes over a decade at Suffolk venues such as the Bildeston Crown, where he held three AA rosettes.
The Ancient Shepherds will serve a tasting menu only, available in three, five or seven courses, each including bread, snacks and amuse-bouche.
The approach aims to reduce waste and create a more predictable and balanced experience for staff and diners alike. The kitchen team will also operate on a four-day week with set holidays.
Ingredients will be sourced from a kitchen garden behind the restaurant, supplemented by Poynton’s existing network of suppliers.
The restaurant’s summer menu includes wakame-cured cod with tomato and elder ponzu, loin of hogget with tapenade purée and anchovy, and sweet pineapple parfait with fennel sorbet.
The trio also intend to work with Cambridge charities and host fundraising events, with a portion of profits pledged to charitable causes.
Gareth and Emma John said: “With Mark’s star continuing to rise, The Ancient Shepherds will no doubt be a restaurant to watch. A place that will look after its community and attract destination diners alike, it will be a first of its kind for Cambridge and a welcome addition to its ever-improving food scene.”
