The couple behind a ‘landmark pub’ in Cartmel has received a prestigious long-service award to mark their 20th anniversary.

The Cavendish Arms is run by Richard and Donna English who took over in November 2003 and transformed it from a drinker’s pub to a country inn with bedrooms renowned for its food.

To retain the original features and historic charm of the oldest pub in the village, they undertook a sensitive upgrade of the interior, replacing old worn carpets with oak flooring, installing new furniture and redecorating the pub in sympathetic colours.

During their time at The Cavendish Arms, Richard and Donna have helped raise £30,000 for charity including £19,000 for the Bay Search & Rescue hoverboard. They have also created 100 jobs since 2003 with many staff staying with them for years.

The award from the building’s owners, Star Pubs2, recognises the contribution the couple have made to the community. 

Prior to taking on The Cavendish Arms, Richard had run bistros and tapas restaurants in Leeds and Harrogate but it had been the couple’s dream to run a pub in the Lake District as they were regular visitors and married there.  

Today they have realised that dream with a pub and a lifestyle shop Donna and their daughter Beatrix run, called Perfect English, which has its 10th anniversary this year.

Richard said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to do the job that I do and have no intention of retiring any time soon.  It gives me a great sense of pride to make people happy.  We had an open house to thank locals for supporting us and were overwhelmed by the massive turnout.  It was humbling to hear how important the pub is to everyone. 

“So, the award isn’t just for us, it’s for our staff too, who we’d like to thank for their help getting us to where we are today and for believing in us.  The day we took on The Cavendish Arms was my birthday and what a present that proved to be!  Back then trade was fairly quiet.  I still have our first day’s takings of £8.68 as a reminder of how far we’ve come.

“Now in our 20th year, it would be great to find out more about the pub’s history and if anyone knows if The Cavendish Arms had any other names over the centuries.”

Star Pubs business development manager Rick Rose-Coulthard said: “Congratulations to Richard and Donna for their well-deserved award.  They have put their heart and soul into creating a superb food-oriented pub with a loyal customer following. And it’s not just locals who recognise how great The Cavendish Arms is.  The Sunday Times recently highlighted it as the place to base yourself if you’re exploring the area.

“I wish Richard and Donna both many happy years to come at The Cavendish Arms.”