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.
New Maternity Triage and Bereavement Suite to open at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Lancaster MP joins calls for government to bring in social media ban for under 16s
New Lancaster group aims to support a better way of life on the water
Winter feast will celebrate milestone year for Lancaster district food projects
LISTEN: New lease of life for one of Lancaster's oldest pubs
Management of Lancaster student accommodation moves to new operator
Police release video footage of men wanted in connection with Lancaster attack
£800k funding pot will help Lancaster district residents stay warm and well all year round
Heritage plaque unveiled to celebrate achievement of Lancaster suffragette
LISTEN: Film festival in Morecambe going from strength to strength
Former Morecambe hotel and nightspot is unsold at auction
Family handing over to new couple after special time in charge at historic Lancaster pub
Family pays tribute to much-loved Morecambe man who died after A6 crash
Ten-year-old boy among youths arrested in investigation into attack on Lancaster pensioner
Police charge man with Lancaster robberies over Christmas
March to be held in Morecambe to support victims of violence against women
"Once in a generation moment" as Tour de France to visit Lancaster and Morecambe District
Morecambe FC CEO quizzed on future of manager Ashvir Singh Johal at fans' forum
Award winning restaurant to host pop-up at Lancaster & Morecambe College
Tributes paid to popular Lancaster businessman after his sudden death
