Explore Culinary Excellence: Lake District Restaurants
The Lake District is not just a feast for the eyes with its stunning landscapes but also a haven for food lovers. This picturesque region boasts an array of exceptional restaurants that showcase the best of British cuisine, combining local ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. Here, we delve into five of the best Lake District restaurants, all honoured with Michelin Stars, each providing a unique taste of the region's flavours.
Lake Road Kitchen
Where: 32 Lake Rd, Keswick CA12 5DQ
Book: https://www.lakeroadkitchen.co.uk/reservations
££££
With a stellar rating of 4.8 star from 454 Google Reviews and 5 stars on Tripadvisor, Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside is a must visit for food enthusiasts. This modern restaurant awarded a Michelin Star in the 2024 Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, is renowned for its innovative takes on traditional dishes. Chef James Cross emphasises seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that burst with fresh, vibrant flavours. The frequently changing tasting menus offer a journey through the best of British produce. The AA Guide awarded it 3 Rosettes, praising its "remarkable combination of taste and texture" as a "revelatory meal." Marina O'Loughlin of The Guardian gave it a 10/10 for food, describing it as "all a gal could hope for... A meal without a single missed beat ... Lake Road Kitchen is that rarest of things, the genuine destination restaurant." The inclusive menu options cater to omnivores, pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans alike.
Allium at Askham Hall
Where: Askham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2PF
Book: https://www.askhamhall.co.uk/book-a-table/
£££
Nestled within the historic Askham Hall, Allium offers a dining experience that seamlessly blends elegance with rustic charm. Chef Richard Swale crafts exquisite dishes using fresh ingredients from the hall’s gardens and local farms. The menu celebrates the region's rich agricultural heritage, featuring delights such as Herdwick lamb and seasonal vegetables, whilst the intimate dining rooms, boast breathtaking views of the estate, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere.
Allium proudly holds a Michelin star and a 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, making it an essential destination for food lovers. Guests can unwind by the fire in the cosy sitting room of this 14th-century pele tower, savouring canapés while exploring an impressive selection of wines from the estate's cellars. The transition to the stylish, country kitchen-inspired restaurant, with its unique tiled floors and garden views, is utterly charming.
As highlighted by the Good Food Guide, “Produce this fresh demands cooking of absolute integrity and authenticity, and Allium is certainly one lily that needs no gilding. The result? Uber-local dishes that celebrate joyful flavours, technical excellence, and maximum taste.” This restaurant is a must visit for anyone seeking a memorable culinary experience.
L‘Enclume
Where: Cavendish St, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6QA
Book: https://www.lenclume.co.uk/reservations
££££
No culinary tour of the Lake District would be complete without a visit to L’Enclume in Cartmel. Boasting 3 Michelin stars, this restaurant is led by the acclaimed chef Simon Rogan, known for his experimental and forward thinking approach to food. Rogan uses ingredients grown on his own farm to craft dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. The 20 course tasting menu is a symphony of flavours, with each course meticulously designed to surprise and delight. Simon and Sam have even been shortlisted for 'Restaurateurs of the Year' for the National Restaurant Awards 2024.
Adjacent to L’Enclume, Aulis Cartmel offers a ‘behind the scenes’ dining experience. Limited to only six guests for lunch or dinner, diners can enjoy L’Enclume dishes while learning about the chefs' creative processes. Farm to fork has always been at the heart of L’Enclume and continues to this day. They cater to most health or allergy-related dietary requirements with advance notice but unfortunately, they cannot accommodate dietary requests made on the day. As the Great British Food Awards put it: “This restaurant is a national treasure.”
Cottage in the Wood
Where: The Cottage in the Wood, Magic Hill, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW
Book: https://booking.resdiary.com/widget/Standard/TheCottageintheWood/20198
££££
Nestled in the stunning Whinlatter Forest, Cottage in the Wood offers a truly enchanting dining experience that immerses guests in nature. Each day, the menu transforms, showcasing an array of dishes crafted from the finest local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring every visit feels fresh and exciting. The heart and soul of this culinary haven are Beth and Jack Bond, a dynamic duo committed to their vision of food and hospitality.
Jack’s love for Cumbria began in his childhood, sparked by family visits to the area. This enduring connection led him and Beth to return and establish their roots, creating a cosy foodie sanctuary that embodies their shared values. With an impressive culinary background, Jack has honed his skills in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Claridges, and the Berkeley. His cooking style is marked by precision, a focus on bold flavours, and a commitment to sustainability. Jack’s menus highlight exceptional ingredients and showcase artisan suppliers, delivering a dining experience that not only delights the palate but also celebrates the rich bounty of the local landscape.
Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai
Where: Farlam Hall Hallbankgate Brampton CA8 2NG
Book: https://farlamhall.com/#selected-restaurant
££££
Nestled within the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai is a culinary gem that guarantees an unforgettable dining experience. Chef Desai, a Michelin starred chef with numerous accolades, offers a menu that artfully combines classical techniques with contemporary flair. Signature dishes, such as the Goosnargh duck and the seafood platter, are presented with exquisite precision, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
Awarded a Michelin Star in 2024, Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall is the ideal spot to relax, indulge, and tantalise the taste buds. A knowledgeable team, known as 'storytellers,' provides exceptional service while guiding diners on a culinary journey. Each dish is meticulously crafted by award winning chefs using the finest local and regional ingredients, including fresh produce from the onsite kitchen garden. An adventurous wine list perfectly complements each exquisite course, while a selection of handcrafted cocktails features a variety of spirits, including the distinctive Farlam Hall Gin. Recent renovations have transformed the dining room into a bright and inviting space, characterised by high ceilings and luxurious touches. With calming views of the gardens and lake, the atmosphere throughout Farlam Hall is perfect for any occasion.
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