Cumbria, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

The “traditional pub food in generous portions” is just the ticket “for hungry walkers after a day on the fells” at this 400-year-old Lake District inn with “amazing views over Melbreak”. “We love the choice between the bar or more formal dining room”, and the beer brewed by its own Cumbrian Ales brewery also goes down well – especially the prizewinning Loweswater Gold.

“Wonderful! Have been coming here since 2005 and this was the best food I’ve had, fully deserving its third star!” – Simon Rogan’s converted blacksmith’s workshop was, in 2022, the first restaurant in the North to achieve a third Michelin gong, and it’s impressive that – despite its remote Lakeland location – it is nowadays the second most commented-on destination in our annual diners’ poll outside of London. Head chef Paul Burgalieres marshalls the finest local produce – much of it from Simon’s ‘Our Farm’ on the surrounding hillsides – to provide “a symphony of beautifully orchestrated food” in a 17-course meal offering “a completely faultless experience that’s luxurious in its ingredients, cooking, time and space”. Another positive is the “smooth and welcoming service” with “immensely impressive teamwork from the staff from start to finish”. Of course, the cost is “exorbitant”, but for most diners it delivers “everything that was hoped for”: “was it worth the journey? Absolutely!” – “100% we would go back”. (“Second visit in less than twelve months… was able to really enjoy the food without being overawed which you do get on the first visit as everything is so exquisite. Cannot fault. If I could afford the outlay I’d be going more often!”)

“Very slick and professional, and more relaxed than L’Enclume” – this spin-off from Simon Rogan’s mothership around the corner affords a more buzzy and approachable (and bookable!) alternative to his main operation (and there is also the option to stay the night). “Super tasty and joyful” dishes are “impeccably served” from a three-course menu for £79 per person. “Stayed with them too and the breakfast was spectacular!”