Cartmel Restaurant Guide

“Worth the journey from Brighton to Cartmel – in fact I’d go twice as far!” Simon Rogan’s “gloriously located” converted smithy “has made a sleepy Lakeland village into a foodies’ delight” and reports of “magical and extraordinary” meals (e.g. “one of the best meals I’ve ever had”) are the norm here. Even one or two who “were expecting it to be quite pretentious” are “blown away by the whole experience” – “service is good-humoured, knowledgeable, and spot-on”, while the tasting menus feature a “memorable and absolutely divine” series of small plates, featuring “fascinating combinations”, which “subtly exploit the best local ingredients”.

Billed as ‘going behind the scenes’ at L’Enclume – Simon Rogan’s development kitchen is in a similar vein to his Soho operation of the same name, offering a first look at dishes destined for L’Enclume. Reports are relatively few, but rhapsodise over an “amazing and intimate” experience.

“Everything you would expect from Simon Rogan without splashing out at L’Enclume” – this spin-off brasserie near the mothership enjoys a similar “pretty and romantic village setting” and achieved much more consistent ratings this year (in which it also achieved its Michelin star). “Local ingredients are enhanced with delicate and unusual herbs” – “it’s a great place to eat and be merry anytime: after a walk, after shopping, after the races or just simply because!”