1 October 2021 Local area
Top class restaurants in The Lakes
The Lake District is home to some of the best food and drink in the country, with an abundance of farms and waters rich in delicious seafood. It has fast become a favourite destination among foodies looking to splash out on a special treat.
Given the wealth of local produce on offer, it’s no surprise that Cumbria is home to more Michelin star restaurants than any other county in the UK. This impressive accolade is reserved for only best restaurants and esteemed chefs.
Why not treat yourself to a 5-star meal during a stay at Park Cliffe Caravan Park? Holidays are about indulging and having the opportunity to try new experiences, that you wouldn’t ordinarily do at home.
Here we list all of the Michelin Star restaurants within a short drive of our award-winning park.
Simon Rogan is one of the best chefs in the UK, so it’s no surprise that his flagship restaurant, L’Enclume is a must visit for foodies holidaying in The Lakes. The spectacular restaurant is located in Cartmel Village within a former 13th century blacksmiths workshop. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the river.
The menus are seasonal and use only the freshest ingredients, the majority of which are grown at the restaurants very own farm. ‘Our Farm’ as it is affectionally known, uses natural methods to ensure food is grown to the highest standards, in a natural and sustainable way. This hands-on approach gives the team more control and strengthens the link between the environment and the finished dish. Rogan likes his food to be traceable and is a huge proponent of farm-to-table philosophy.
In addition to being awarded 3 Michelin Stars, L’Enclume was the Good Food Guides number one restaurant in the UK in 2014-2017 and 2020. More recently, it received the new Michelin Green Star, which recognises the team’s commitment to the environment.
Photo credit: Joe Saunders, Flickr
The experienced team of chefs at The Forest Side in Grasmere pride themselves in serving imaginative dishes crafted from locally sourced and seasonal produce. The provenance of the food on offer, is of a great importance, with head Chef Paul Leonard going to great lengths to ensure ingredients are sustainably grown or reared. Any ingredients that cannot be sourced locally are grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden, where over 100 varieties of fruit and vegetables can be found. The team even forage in the surrounding Lakeland fells to make the most of nature’s larder.
Food is served in the bright and airy restaurant, which boasts views over pristine gardens. There is a 4 and 8 course lunch and dinner menu as well as a wide selection of exclusive wines and tasty cocktails. The dishes have been designed to reflect the surroundings and diners are invited to connect with the great outdoors as they eat. Dining at the Forest Side truly is a memorable experience, that will no doubt be a highlight of your holiday in the Lake District.
The Cottage in the Wood occupies an enviable position, perched high above the Whinlatter Forest. Diners can enjoy far-reaching views of England’s highest mountain forest and starry skies during the evening service.
The food here speaks for itself, with an impressive menu of eye-catching dishes and well-balanced flavour pairings. High quality ingredients are sourced from local producers and head chef, Ben Wilkinson ensures Cumbria is front and centre of all of his creations. We highly recommend the Taste Cumbria menu, which has been created as an ode to the surrounding landscape. Each course has been developed around a specific aspect of the environment, including sea, woodland, fells and forest.
The lunch, dinner and taste menus are all set and advance booking is required. They are updated regularly to reflect the change in season and contain a varied mix of local meats and fish landed at harbours from the West Coast. The friendly team will be able to recommend perfect wine pairings to accompany your five-star fayre.
The Cottage in the Wood was recently ranked 24 in the Top 100 Restaurants in the prestigious Estrella Damm National Restaurants Awards.
The Old Stamphouse occupies the historic former office of William Wordsworth in Ambleside. The Restaurant was voted Cumbria Life Restaurant of the Year and was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2019.
Head chef and owner Ryan Blackburn draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and serves up innovative dishes inspired by tradition. He aims to celebrate local producers and showcase Cumbria’s unique cultural heritage on a national stage. Many visitors are familiar with Herdwick lamb, but less have experienced the delights of the coast. Ryan endeavourers to include local seafood on his menus to promote the world class shellfish that is abundant in the Irish Sea.
Reviews commend the fine dining experience and professional yet relaxed atmosphere.
Rogan & Co is owned by Simon Rogan, the chef behind above mentioned L’Enclume. It earned its first Michelin Star in 2018 and has developed an enviable reputation in the years since. The open plan restaurant sits within a beautiful cottage, creating a relaxed and welcoming dining atmosphere. In the winter there are roaring fires and Lakeland photographs adorn the walls.
This award-winning restaurant takes a relaxed approach to fine dining, with an a la carte lunch and dinner menu on offer. The dishes are competitively priced and lovingly crafted to showcase the best seasonal produce the region has to offer. Head chef, Liam Fitzpatrick is known for creating comfort food with a twist. He has a simple, yet sophisticated approach of focusing on a singular ingredient.
HRiSHi is located within the luxury Gilpin Hotel. The team create colourful British cuisine using a combination of classic methods and contemporary techniques. The food is presented in a unique style that really stands out from the crowd. Dining here is a real experience and a truly special thing to do during your holiday in The Lakes.
In addition to the Tasting and Dinner menus there is a ‘posh scran’ Cumbrian afternoon tea available. There are sweet and savoury options, which can include champagne and prosecco. If you really fancy pushing the boat out the sommelier will expertly pair wine with your courses.
Allium is located within Askham Hall, a luxury stately home hotel. The restaurant affords guests spectacular views over the manicured gardens and a peaceful setting to enjoy a 5-star meal.
The menu changes with the season and focuses on locally grown produce. There is great emphasis on wild game meat as well as foraged ingredients from the surrounding land. Head chef Richard Swale has created a strong identity, which is reminiscent of is youth spent exploring Cumbria fells.
The tasting menu with optional wine pairing is the best way to experience the full range of flavours that Richard and his team have imagined.
Photo credit: Steven Barber
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