Stars Twinkle over The Lake District

There are 8 special stars shining over the Lake District – Michelin Stars that is – making this beautiful area of England not only a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors but also for those who love the bounty it produces. The Lake District’s reputation as one of the most mouth-watering foodie destinations in the UK has been given a welcome boost – thanks to three new Michelin stars announced this month and we are delighted that so many of these special places are featured in our Lake District Tours. Seven restaurants now proudly enjoy membership of an exclusive club of Lake District eateries which all share the seal of approval by the team behind the internationally-respected Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Stars for 2020 guide.

CONTINUING TO SHINE

Both HRiSHi at the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House, and Forest Side at Grasmere, which feature in our Luxury Quintessential Lake District have retained their one Michelin Star rating. Hrishikesh Desai – creator of HRiSHi and Gilpin Spice is becoming justly renowned for his exciting combination of great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver innovative textures and flavours – modern British cuisine with a twist. In September he was also awarded 4AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence.

Paul Leonard recently joined Forest Side in Grasmere as Head Chef and brings with him a great depth of experience working at the highest levels, including retaining a Michelin Star at the Isle of Eriska on the west coast of Scotland. He joins Forest Side from the Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, where he won the Burlington restaurant four Rosettes within his first year. His new The Lal 'Un (7 course) and The Grand 'Un (10 course) tasting menus are rich with local seasonal produce.

NEW STARS

We are also delighted to feature Askham Hall on our Luxury Quintessential Lake District walking tour whose ‘Allium’ restaurant has just earned its first star and which judges say “makes great use of produce from its gardens and estate”.

The other new arrivals are both small independent restaurants; The Cottage in the Wood at Braithwaite, near Keswick and the Old Stamp House in Ambleside, both of which champion local produce superbly prepared. For the complete gourmet experience we can arrange a dinner at either of these as part of your trip.

RISING STAR

Simon Rogan, who is already renowned for his 2 Michelin Starred L’Enclume and 1 Star Rogan & Co., both in nearby Cartmel, recently took over the restaurant at Linthwaite House, which features in both Electric Lakes and our new Dales Way Luxury Walking Tour. With stunning views over Linthwaite’s immaculately landscaped gardens, HenRock - pictured above - will showcase natural, seasonal ingredients from Rogan’s own farm. The restaurant is named after Hen Holme (a rocky outcrop on Windermere that is often visible from the terrace of Linthwaite House). In a relaxed and elegant setting Henrock’s menu features small plates and sharing dishes leaning heavily on influences, techniques and produce discovered on the chefs’ travels around the globe.

Having been fortunate enough to dine there recently I can confirm that the poached cod with black lime curry and buttermilk is exquisite, and I was only sorry that dining alone on a business trip I was unable to enjoy one of the sharing plates. (It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it!). This will surely become one of ‘the’ places to dine before long and I look forward to a return visit!