Mark Poynton along with new business partners, Gareth and Emma John will launch The Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, a village located three miles outside of Cambridge. A restaurant with rooms located on the site of Mark’s former restaurant, MJP @ The Shepherds, this heralds an exciting next chapter for Mark and team.
Established residents of Fen Ditton, Gareth and Emma have been fans of Mark’s cooking ever since he opened his then Cambridge based restaurant, Alimentum in 2009. Having lived in the village for over 20 years, the pair wanted to safeguard the future of MJP @ The Shepherds and are excited to be a part of its next chapter. Having run a successful Cambridge based business for over two decades, Gareth and Emma are keen that The Ancient Shepherds give back to its local community and will be teaming up with local Cambridge charities. They plan to support the charities by hosting charitable events throughout the year and pledging to donate from any profits the restaurant may make.
Having recently won a Michelin star for his Norwich restaurant, Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, Mark will lead the kitchen alongside his new right hand man Chris Lee whose experience includes holding 3 AA rosettes for over decade at multiple places around Suffolk including the Bidleston Crown. Dedicated to a tasting only menu, this will ensure minimal waste and maximise the customer and employee experience.
The menu will use as many ingredients as possible from the Kitchen Garden located at the back of the restaurant with Mark’s long-standing trusted suppliers providing everything else. Menus will come in options of three, five or seven courses each including bread, snacks and amuse bouche,
Ancient Shepherd’s, 5 High Street, Fen Ditton, CB5 8ST
Wednesday to Saturday Lunch 12-1:45pm dinner 6-8:30pm
