A NEW bistro has opened in Sedbergh - with bread-making returning to the town for the first time in years.

James Ratcliffe and partner Nina, have opened the Three Hares Cafe at 57 Main Street, formerly the Howgills Bakery.

Mr Ratcliffe, 36, grew up in Ireby between Kirkby Lonsdale and Ingleton, but has spent 17 years away from the area.

During that time he has worked in catering and managed several award-winning pubs and restaurants.

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Wife Nina, 28, is originally from Dusseldorf, Germany, and worked for several years in a German bakery and one of the country's top cookery schools, and has studied and worked in London.

The couple, who have a nine-month-old son, set up their first company 'The Moocher' in late 2012 offering 'wild, foraged and rare breed' produce at farmers' markets, street food events, food and music festivals.

Mr Ratcliffe said: "I've been hankering to come back for quite a while and following the birth of our son we felt it would be a great place to bring him up.

"Sedbergh is quite unique because it's between the Lake District and is part of the Yorkshire Dales and is quite untouched and a hidden gem and it's also quite unique in the produce it has. We are talking to a lot of farmers in the Sedbergh area about how we can work together and we are looking to open for evening meals and apply for a liquor licence from South Lakeland District Council to serve craft beers and quality wines."

Mr Ratcliffe said that they decided to take over the cafe and bakery in Sedbergh which they say didn't produce its own bread.

They plan to specialise in artisan bread including natural yeast (sourdough) and bread variations such as multi grain, rye, deli rye and spelt bread as the business grows.

They have also created a seasonal menu specialising in the best of local produce and game, rare breed and foraged foods.

Mr Ratcliffe explained that the name 'Three Hares' comes from not only the hare as 'the quintessential British Wild animal' but also from the symbol which appears in churches, synagogues and temples across the world.

As recently as September, they took part in the British Street Food Awards' with 20 traders from the UK and five international foddies.

Their food ranges from Game Scotch Eggs and dandelion vinegars to Chipotle Pulled Venison and Hare in a Coffee Pancake.