Mark Poynton to open The Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton with focus on sustainability and staff wellbeing

Mark Poynton, the chef recently awarded a Michelin star for his restaurant in Norwich, will open The Ancient Shepherds in Fen Ditton, near Cambridge, on 16^th July 2025. The new restaurant, located three miles outside the city, will operate under Poynton’s leadership alongside business partners Emma and Gareth John. The venture aims to offer a tasting menu-driven dining experience while prioritising sustainability and staff wellbeing.

The Ancient Shepherds will occupy the site of Poynton’s former establishment, MJP @ The Shepherds. The Johns, long-time residents of Fen Ditton and supporters of Poynton’s cooking since his Alimentum days in Cambridge, have joined the project to ensure the future of the venue. The couple, who have lived in the village for over two decades and run a local business, intend for the restaurant to engage with the community by supporting local charities through events and profit-sharing initiatives.

Poynton will be joined in the kitchen by Chris Lee, previously head chef at several Suffolk restaurants holding three AA rosettes, including the Bildeston Crown. The pair will oversee a tasting-only menu, which is intended to minimise food waste and allow for close management of food costs. Dishes will change regularly according to the seasons and will feature produce sourced from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden as well as from established suppliers.

A notable aspect of the new restaurant’s operation is its approach to staff welfare. The kitchen team will work a four-day week (the restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday), with scheduled holidays during which the restaurant will close. According to the venue, “Achieving this work/life balance is paramount to Mark, who wants to ensure he creates a happy team and therefore a happy business.”

The menu will be available in three, five or seven-course formats, with each including bread, snacks and amuse-bouche. Sample dishes for summer 2025 include Chilled Pea Mousse, Cottage Cheese and Truffle (as an amuse bouche), Wakame Cured Cod, Tomato and Elder Ponzu, Lemon Puree and Loin of Hogget, Tapenade Puree, Tomato, Anchovy, Courgette, with desserts such as Sweet Pineapple Parfait, Fennel Sorbet and Pineapple and Fennel Pollen Meringue.

The Ancient Shepherds is housed in a former pub dating back to 1580. The refurbishment, overseen by Emma John, retains the building’s historic character, with a colour scheme of soft plaster pink and grey, complemented by original brickwork and locally crafted furniture. The restaurant will seat 34 guests and display works by local artists. There are also five rooms available for overnight stays, either as part of a dining package or separately.

Food Desk

The Ancient Shepherds opens on 16^th July 2025. For further information, call 01223 293280 or email the team at info@mjprestaurant.com.