Cartmel Restaurant Guide

“Phenomenal… superb… food, wine, service: everything was magical. Please go!”. Simon Rogan’s “Fat Duck of the North” inspired stunningly consistent reports this year, practically all of them unadulterated hymns of praise, and collectively confirming its position as one of the country’s very top gastronomic destinations. A converted smithy in an out-of-the-way village, it has such a “cute” and “beautiful” location and a “very romantic” interior to match. Superlatives abound in descriptions of its “engaging and surprising” tasting menus: “sixteen courses providing incredible mouthfuls of pure culinary bliss with every element utterly excellent”. “Highly recommended if you’re in the Lakes… or not!”

“A personal dining experience of excellence and artistry” – you eat perched on one of six stools at the ‘chef’s table’ / development kitchen experience at this famous Lakeland destination, which offers an alternative to the main restaurant for those spending a couple of nights in the village. Unsurprisingly, it only generates limited feedback, but the picture emerges that – even if “the dishes aren’t quite at the standard of those in the restaurant, they are under development so that’s fine!” – and it’s “an unforgettable evening and privilege to see such culinary magic!”

“Friendly” bistro-style fixture that’s the little sister of nearby L’Enclume, and with a similarly picturesque Lakeland setting. Despite its possession of a Michelin star, and reports of some “fantastic” meals here, it’s not aiming for culinary pyrotechnics in the same way as its stablemate, and its relatively conventional offering “suits any occasion”, most particularly a “romantic” dinner.