The Mortal Man, located in Troutbeck, Windermere, is owned and operated by Garry and Katie Barkes.

Together they have run the establishment for 12 ‘wonderful’ years and aim to keep the business growing after lockdown.

Katie said: “When we took over, the pub was in disrepute, so we really wanted to turn it round and give the public the place they deserve.

PUB: The Mortal Man located in Troutbeck, Windermere

“We’ve been here for 12 wonderful years and we’ve brought up our two girls here as well.

“It’s been smashing. We feel very lucky to have such an amazing view down the valley all to ourselves, and we love sharing it with visitors.

“Gary and I met in the South East before moving up here to the Lakes.

“We had a restaurant in Cockermouth before we found The Mortal Man.

FAMILY: Garry and Katie with their children

“I used to work as a receptionist, and Garry moved in multi trading as a director which really helped us handle the management side of the business.

“It’s helped us become one of the most recognisable pubs in the Lake District. We were even on the front of the National Lakes paper.

“We’ve put on so many events here over the years and we hope to do more in the future.

“We’ve done festivals like the Cumbria Full Moon, cider festivals, music festivals and more.

PUB: The Mortal Man located in Troutbeck, Windermere

“Because of this, we won 'cider pub of the year' after we put on a massive array of flavours in the garden. We also really pride ourselves on serving proper pub grub.

“Before lockdown we branched out into spoken word evenings, and poetry readings which were a lot of fun.

“People love sitting in our garden and enjoying the view. It was largely weather-dependent on if we’d reopen or not, but we know the garden will draw people out here.

“The view is breathtaking.

PUB: The Mortal Man located in Troutbeck, Windermere

“With reopening, everyone will be allowed in the garden. We’ll be running table service and doing a one in, one out arrangement for people wanting to use the toilet.

“Even though it would be preferable for people to stand at the bar, we’ll make it work with the beer garden for now.

“We’re a small team but we’re very determined. We’re ready for it.

“We’ve been thinking of new ways to have people let us know they need serving at their table. We’ll think of something fun when we can.”