Cumbria is known for its food and drink, and it’s a reputation which is well deserved. At the Cumbria Tourism Awards, a number of categories pay homage our local food and drink establishments and producers. Here’s our run down of our Food & Drink themed Award winners, from Michelin stars to gin distilleries.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Black Swan

Pub of the Year | Sponsored by Taste Hospitality Recruitment

Nestled in the heart of Ravenstonedale, the Black Swan is a Victorian Inn with plenty of local charm. Head chef Scott Fairweather is known for his flavourful food, making use of local ingredients and taking inspiration from the pub’s stunning surroundings to serve up pub food with a creative edge. The food and drink offering is complemented by a range of stylish rooms - there are even glamping yurts for something a little different.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Cottage in the Wood

Taste of Cumbria Award | Sponsored by Eden District Council 

This Michelin starred restaurant in Whinlatter forest is a haven of tranquillity, creating the perfect space in which to enjoy the world-class food and drink on offer. There are nine contemporary rooms offering accommodation to guests, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or two alongside exquisitely crafted dishes made using local produce, sourced from artisan suppliers and farmers. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shed 1 Gin

Experience of the Year | Sponsored by Burnetts   

See how gin is made, and have a go at crafting your own, at Shed 1 Gin’s The Cow Shed in Ulverston. Enjoy distillery tours, gin tastings, afternoon teas and workshops at this quirky visitor attraction and experience, and get a behind the scenes look at an award-winning distillery. Owners and distillers Zoe and Andy make almost everything by hand, and are passionate about what they do - as well as a warm welcome, they’ll offer an abundance of gin based knowledge to enjoy alongside your tastings!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

New Tourism Business Award | Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley   

With a stunning location on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2021. This quirky cafe and special events venue offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon tea with a twist: they’re all served on board the Orient Express train used in the 2017 movie, Murder on the Orient Express! You can also dine in the former ticket station; reservations are recommended and all are welcome, including well behaved dogs on leads.