Buying a business, moving to a new home and having a baby are all stressful events, but for The Cottage in the Wood owners Jack and Beth Bond, they happened together.
There was also an added pressure – Jack was secretly competing in the landmark 20th series of BBC Two’s Great British Menu.
Jack a chef and Beth a restaurant manager had long held dreams of owning a Lake District hotel and restaurant, but it was their 2023 honeymoon stay at the Michelin-starred Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite, that saw them realise it much earlier than planned.
Less than 12 months later, supported by Mason Thomas Law and CMP Legal, Jack and Beth became owners of the business and have agreed a five-year lease on the 17th century coaching inn in which the business is based, with an option to buy at the end.
Jack and Beth Bond, owners of The Cottage in the Wood
Beth explained: “The previous owners were retiring and selling the business and property for £1 million, for a quick sale. The problem was we didn’t have £1 million.”
Beth and Jack initially struggled to secure a bank loan to buy The Cottage in the Wood outright due to the lack of a hefty deposit. Undeterred, they negotiated an alternative deal. They sold their flat in London and borrowed some money from Beth’s mum to buy the business. They agreed to lease the building for five years, with an option to buy it down the line.
Mason Thomas Law’s Associate Solicitor Candice Birch negotiated the lease on their behalf, which, gives Jack and Beth the option to purchase the 17th-century coaching inn in 2029.
Beth praised Candice’s calm approach throughout the negotiations. “Candice was absolutely on the ball and kept us and the sellers informed throughout the negotiation process. My advancing pregnancy during the purchase was an added complication as I was keen to get everything over the line before the baby’s arrival. Candice tried her best but it wasn’t to be as our son arrived early. Exactly a month later the sale went through on the 1st July. Jack and I became first time parents and business owners in the space of 30 days. It was stressful period, but Candice was calm throughout.”
It was a pleasure supporting two energetic entrepreneurs in their first venture into restaurant ownership.”
The energy that Jack and Beth have brought to The Cottage in the Wood has not gone unnoticed, and they have been praised widely.
Homes & Property magazine said: “Beth and Jack Bond’s move to the Lake District marks a new chapter for The Cottage in the Wood, blending tradition with modernity.”
Great British Life: “The Cottage in the Wood remains a beacon of culinary excellence in the Lake District, thanks to the Bonds’ dedication and innovative approach.”
Boutique Hotelier: “Beth and Jack Bond bring a fresh perspective to this historic establishment, ensuring its legacy continues with renewed vigour.”
Together with the Michelin star and rave reviews from industry press, it is no surprise that Jack was approached to compete in the North West heat of series 20 of BBC’s Two’s Great British Menu.
The eight-week competition begins with the North West heat on Tuesday 28 January, with Jack competing over three days against Eddie Shepherd, chef/owner, The Walled Gardens, Livia Alarcon, head chef/owner, La Bistroteca and James Hill, head chef/owner, The Oak at Curthwaite.
Jack’s fish course ‘Taught by Nature’, which was inspired by the Lake District poet William Wordsworth, helped him win the North West heat. Renowned chef Paul Ainsworth described Jack’s confit trout as ‘spot on’, and programme host Andi Oliver calling the dish a ‘sublime poetic moment’. Watch the first episode here https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00272hq
The popular Great British Menu programme sees top chefs from across the UK compete to cook for a spectacular banquet. This year judges include renowned chef Tom Kerridge, former Great British Menu winner Lorna McNee and comedian Ed Gamble.
Candice added: “The Mason Thomas Law team shall be tuning in to Great British Menu to cheer on Jack. We wish The Cottage in the Wood every success in the competition and with their wonderful business.”
To book a stay or table at The Cottage in The Wood, visit www.thecottageinthewood.co.uk