Kysty café to be relaunched to capitalise on Ryan Blackburn's Michelin star win

Kysty café is to undergo a makeover and relaunch to capitalise on the success of chef-proprietor Ryan Blackburn's Michelin star win for sister restaurant the Old Stamp House, last October.

The Old Stamp House in Ambleside, the Lake District, received a 35% increase in guests following the award, inspiring Blackburn to relaunch his café in the same town as a casual concept restaurant. Its doors closed on January 12 and it will reopen in early February.

Kysty café's kitchen is being modified to accommodate the chefs' new requirements and the interior is being renovated with modern furnishings and lighting to promote an informal and comfortable dining experience.

Blackburn said: ‘'Our journey since winning the Michelin star at Old Stamp House in October 2019 has been stratospheric. As a result, we've taken what some people might think is a bold step to transform Kysty into an informal neighbourhood restaurant but to be honest we just simply can't ignore what our diners have been asking for.

"In being able to meet this demand we have also been able to support members of our team and help develop them and give them the opportunity to take the next step in their respective careers."

Old Stamp House staff have been promoted to more senior roles in the new Kysty with sous chef Dan Hopkins becoming head chef and assistant restaurant manager Laurentiu Bulprich promoted to restaurant manager at the new site.

Blackburn added: "Dan and Laurentiu are both hugely capable and professional and are real assets to our business. By offering them this opportunity we hope to make the most of their talents. The team are very excited and can't wait to show you what we've been busy planning''

Kysty will serve dishes created using only local ingredients. The menu will offer dishes including mackeral pate, Garside's lamb rump and poached rhubard.

Blackburn previously worked at Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in Windermere and was a contestant in the 2017 series of MasterChef: The Professionals.