Harden's says
With sweeping views across Lake Windermere, Henrock by Simon Rogan showcases natural, perfectly seasonal ingredients in a relaxed, informal setting. The name derives from a rocky outcrop on the lake, known as Hen Rock, which is often visible from the terrace of Linthwaite House.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“An offshoot of L’Enclume” – the Lake District’s most renowned chef, Simon Rogan, presides over this scenically located dining room – part of one of the best known hotels in ‘The Lakes’ and whose conservatory situation and outside terrace aim to make the best of its superb outlook over the surrounding hills and of Lake Windermere. Chef Mark McCabe provides both a ‘short’ (for £79 per person) and ‘full’ (for £125 per person) menu – both are “well-priced sets considering the quality of the dishes”. The aim is not a replication of L’Enclume; the food is “innovative, but not excessively elaborate” providing “top-quality local produce and excellent service in a beautiful setting”.
Summary
“Great Rogan food, but in a more relaxed setting!” (“Like L’Enclume on its day off!”) – no report has a bad word to say about the cuisine at this spin-off venue from the Lake District’s most renowned celebrity chef, which occupies the light-filled dining room – complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylight – of Linthwaite Hotel, overlooking Windermere. Chef Mark McCabe (the former chef-owner of The Ethicurean in Bristol) took over at the stoves here in early 2024, and reports say “you can taste the individual flavours making up each course”. One could argue for the award of 5/5 for the food-score here – our sole reservation is that no reporter nominates it as their best meal of the year, just that it was “altogether highly recommended”.
Summary
The “outstanding” if “lesser-known and more relaxed cousin of the Lake District’s most famous culinary destination” – L’Enclume in nearby Cartmell – “Henrock is a fabulous option for those struggling to save up for (or not quick enough to book)” at the former. You still get real “Simon Rogan excellence”, “overlooking Lake Windermere” in the “lovely Linthwaite Hotel”, complete with “brilliant artwork, great views, delicious and innovative food, and delightful staff and service”.
Summary
This more relaxed offshoot from maestro Simon Rogan of L’Enclume makes the most of a “delightful setting” at this Lakeland hotel dining room, with views over the outcrop that inspired its name. “A beautiful sunny evening sitting on a lovely terrace overlooking Windermere is followed up with a special meal.” When it comes to the cuisine itself, though – which is in a slightly less ambitious mould than his most famous ventures – there’s a slight divergence of opinion. For the majority, “the flavours are distinct and exciting, making this a memorable meal as one would expect of a Rogan restaurant”. Others, though, caveat their reports as “disappointing” or “overpriced”: “I know they say that less is more, but you also need to consider how much is enough!”
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Henrock?
Linthwaite House, Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JA
Restaurant details
Prices
| Wine per bottle | £38.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.50 |
| Service | 13.00% |
Linthwaite House, Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JA
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
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