A top chef and familiar face in local hospitality has found a new home behind the bar of a unique Morecambe pub.
Ben Vandenbrink is the new general manager at the Rhythm and Brew House on the White Lund Industrial Estate.
Experienced chef Ben is known locally for his previous work at several other popular venues including The Ship at Caton and Harry's Bar in Morecambe, and he also used to run his own restaurant 18 North above the Palatine in Morecambe.
He also appeared on the popular BBC show Masterchef: The Professionals in 2018, competing against other top chefs.
Ben is being supported in the new venture by local licensee Chris Donaldson, from The Royal Bar & Shaker and Fusion Sports Bar in Morecambe.
LISTEN to our interview with Ben and Chris
Ben said: "I love having a little bit of a challenge!
"We've walked into a great event space which is completely untapped and has loads of potential.
"I'm genuinely excited to bring something that's a bit new to the Lancaster and Morecambe area.
"I'm going to bring food. Just straight up, tasty food!"
Chris said: "I'm just helping Ben really.
"We worked closely together at Harry's Bar in the summer, then Ben helped me at the Royal through Christmas, and also helped me with the menu at Fusion.
"We work well together. Ben thought he could do something with the place and once you see the potential it's got, I said yeah, why not? I'll help him where he needs help.
"We are renting the bar area and the outside space off the owners of the building."
The Rhythm and Brew House is known for its unique industrial-chic decor, and there are plans for functions, events, live music and barbecues.
The Newgate venue, formerly known as the Cross Bay Brew House, has been closed since late 2024, following the departure of previous manager Tammy Hutchinson.
There will be a soft opening under the new management on March 14 followed by a grand reopening on March 15.
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