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The Lake District, Cumbria, has a reputation for being a world-class ‘culinary capital’, with fantastic places to eat and drink across the county; as well as an abundance of local produce. The 2023 Michelin Stars have been announced, and we’re thrilled that our county now has an outstanding 13 Michelin Stars across 11 restaurants!
This means we retain the accolade of having the highest number of Michelin starred restaurants per county outside of London – firmly keeping us on the culinary map. Read on to discover some of the restaurants which hold Michelin stars across Cumbria; and check out the full list here.
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Image: Cristian Barnett Photography
L’Enclume, Cartmel | 3*
Located in the pretty village of Cartmel, L’Enclume is Simon Rogan’s flagship restaurant in the Lake District, Cumbria. It is also the only restaurant in the country outside of London and the South East to hold the top accolade of three Michelin Stars.
Here, culinary creativity harnesses the powerful connection between food and nature, resulting in innovative dishes and a strong focus on the provenance of ingredients – many of which are sourced from ‘Our Farm’, set up by Simon Rogan in 2009. The importance of farm-to-table dining is such that L’Enclume also holds a coveted Michelin Green Star.
“Few restaurants represent the region in which they’re located more than L’Enclume and the Lake District”, says the Michelin Guide. “The cooking in this lovely old smithy has never stopped evolving and the energy emanating from the kitchen is as palpable as ever. Classic dishes have been reworked and refined, while stunning new dishes have slotted seamlessly into the set menu.”
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Image: Rogan & Co
Rogan & Co, Cartmel | 1*
This informal neighbourhood restaurant was opened by Simon Rogan in 2008, and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Offering a more relaxed dining experience than its neighbour L’Enclume, Rogan & Co continues to showcase the influences and techniques Simon Rogan has become known for; as well as retaining focus on produce from ‘Our Farm’.
The Michelin Guide highlights its “pleasingly easy-going feel courtesy of a cosy open-plan interior – which features dark wood beams, welcoming open fires and walls hung with Lakeland photography – and a chatty serving team who present every dish with a smile.
Simon Rogan’s influence is clear to see on the appealing menu, which lists skilfully prepared, understated dishes which make great use of creative ingredient and flavour combinations.”
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Image: Allium at Askham Hall
Allium at Askham Hall | 1*
Imaginative and creative dining are on the menu at Allium at Askham Hall, located in stylish hotel set in a 14th century Pele Tower. Produce is sourced from the 800-year old Lowther Estate, with dishes heavily inspired by the seasons – from farm to woodland, the quality of ingredients is key. Wine comes from the estate’s impressive cellars, and is served alongside the expert knowledge of sommelier and Maitre D’, Nico.
“Relax by the fire in the cosy sitting room of this 14C pele tower, while enjoying canapés and perusing the hugely impressive wine selection from the estate cellars”, advises Michelin. “Locally born chef Richard Swale oversees the kitchen, offering a concise menu with two choices at each course. These accomplished dishes are driven by the seasons and the availability of produce from the Lowther Estate, in which the building sits. The gardener plays an important part in guiding the menu, advising which ingredients are at their peak and what to plant next, and this produce is joined by estate livestock, game and trout from the streams. Sauces are a highlight and really elevate each dish.”
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The Old Stamp House, Ambleside | 1*
Opened in 2014, this Michelin starred restaurant can be found in the heart of Ambleside, in the former workplace of William Wordsworth. With a focus on highlighting the rich food culture of our county, The Old Stamp House makes use of local produce throughout its menu – from the Herdwick sheep which roam our fells, to freshly caught fish from Barrow and Whitehaven.
The Michelin guide says, “It's owned by the Blackburn brothers – Ryan heads up the kitchen, while Craig looks after the service – and they have a passion for all things regional, which is summed up in the name of their tasting menu: ‘A Journey Around Cumbria’. The skilfully prepared dishes have been well-thought-through and carefully balance bold and delicate flavours; each has a story – sometimes historic, sometimes personal – and often a sustainable element too. The Herdwick hogget is not to be missed!"
Image: Gilpin Hotel
SOURCE at Gilpin, Bowness-on-Windermere | 1*
Under the direction of head chef Ollie Bridgwater, formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, SOURCE features a new Michelin starred menu, served at the family-run Gilpin Hotel near Windermere. Ollie brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a culinary experience which is both sophisticated and natural.
“Formerly known as HRiSHi, the restaurant here at Gilpin changed its name to coincide with the arrival of a new chef in 2023.”, says Michelin. “When it comes to the cooking, the standards remain as high as ever. Diners can choose between a 3 or a 6 course tasting menu and the dishes are as precise as they are restrained; flavours are natural and distinct and dishes deliver sophistication without recourse to over-elaboration. The atmosphere remains as warm and homely as ever, thanks largely to the young team who are engaging and enthusiastic.
Image: Cottage in the Wood
Cottage in the Wood | 1*
This cosy gourmet getaway is nestled in Whinlatter Forest; the kitchen is led by head chef Sam Miller, who has a passion for northern produce and delights in bringing the tastes of the local terroir to the table. Ingredients come from Cumbria and further afield, with seasonally foraged elements as well as those sources from artisan suppliers and farmers.
“As you leave the small hamlet of Braithwaite, the narrow road rises steeply towards the Whinlatter Forest and Pass. Here, you’ll find a small black and white roadside inn run by a friendly team. It really is a cosy little place: in winter sit in the dining room; in summer take in the view over the fells and valley from the conservatory.”
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Image: Pentonbridge Inn
Pentonbridge Inn | 1*
Located on the English-Scottish border, in north Cumbria, the Pentonbridge Inn earned their first Michelin star this year. Visit for relaxed fine dining, with seasonal menus focusing on local produce like meat from Cumbria and seafood from Scotland; and ingredients from the restaurants own gardens. Fancy staying over? there are a range of comfortable rooms to choose from, too.
"It was always clear that the owners here really wanted to put their place on the map – and now they have the personnel to realise that ambition. Chris Archer is a chef who can deliver depth with just a handful of ingredients; he doesn’t need to fall back on gimmicks or unnecessary flourishes, as this is all about well-judged combinations of flavours and textures."
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