Mark Poynton to launch new restaurant in Fen Ditton

Michelin-recognised chef Mark Poynton will launch a new restaurant, The Ancient Shepherds, in Fen Ditton – a village three miles outside of Cambridge – on 16 July. 

Established alongside Gareth and Emma John, Poynton's new business partners and long-term residents of Fen Ditton, the restaurant with rooms will take over the chef's former site, MJP @ The Shepherds, marking a new chapter for the team. 

Having lived in the village for two decades, the Johns were keen to safeguard the future of MJP @ The Shepherds. Having run a successful business in Cambridge for over 20 years, the duo hope for The Ancient Shepherds to give back to its local community by teaming up with Cambridge-based charities throughout the year. 

A new era for Poynton

Having recently won a Michelin star for his Norwich restaurant, Mark Poynton at Caistor Hall, the chef will lead the new kitchen alongside Chris Lee, whose experience includes holding three AA Rosettes for over a decade at multiple Suffolk venues. 

A dedicated tasting menu will minimise waste and maximise both the customer and staff experience. Kitchen staff will work a four-day week and have set holidays throughout the year, during which the restaurant will close. Achieving this work/life balance is paramount to Poynton, who wants to create a happy team and business. 

Dishes will utilise ingredients from the kitchen garden whenever possible. Menus will be available in options of three, five or seven courses, each including bread, snacks and amuse-bouche. 

Summer 2025 dishes will include pea mousse, cottage cheese and truffle (amuse bouche), wakame-cured cod, tomato and elder ponzu with lemon purée to start; loin of hogget with tapenade purée, tomato, anchovy and courgette for main; and sweet pineapple parfait, fennel sorbet, pineapple and fennel meringue for dessert. 

Tablescaping will be kept to a minimum to keep the focus on the food. A lounge area will include soft seating for pre- or post-dinner drinks, and the entire space will accommodate 34 covers. The five rooms have also been revamped, available to book with or without a dining experience. 

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