Michelin Star Restaurants in the Lake District, Cumbria

Did you know? Here in Cumbria, we’ve got the most Michelin stars outside of London! With 15 Michelin stars across 13 restaurants, including L'Enclume - which holds three Michelin stars and a Green Star for its sustainability credentials - this is the perfect place for fine dining and creative cuisine. Head off on a culinary journey across the Lakes with tasting menus and wine pairings to match.

Discover the Michelin starred restaurants illuminating our culinary landscape, cementing  the county’s reputation as a destination for world-class dining.

Allium at Askham Hall, near Penrith

Askham Hall, Askham, Penrith CA10 2PF

Askham Hall is situated in the stunning Eden Valley. This historic stately home and gardens is home to the Michelin Star restaurant Allium, with Cumbrian born Head Chef Richard Swale.

The Michelin guide says:

"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; then head through to the modish, country kitchen style restaurant with its unique tiled floor and garden views. Accomplished dishes are driven by the seasons and the availability of produce from the surrounding Lowther Estate, with the gardener playing a key role in the crafting of the menu."

Find more information on Allium at Askham Hall here

L'enclume, Cartmel

Cavendish St, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6QA

Photo by Cristian Barnett

L’Enclume has firmly placed the village of Cartmel on the foodie map. Simon Rogan’s Michelin starred menu is based on seasonal produce and flavours all sourced from the restaurant’s own 12 acre farm. In 2022, L'Enclume earned its third Michelin star - making it the only 3 Michelin starred restaurant outside of London and the South East.

The Michelin Guide says:

"Exceptional produce is the bedrock of everything they do at L’Enclume. Simon Rogan's 'Our Farm' provides ingredients that are picked daily and fashioned into a menu infused with Simon’s special brand of culinary alchemy."

Find more information on L'Enclume here

SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, near Windermere

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Crook Rd, Windermere LA23 3NF

The beautiful country house hotel of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is home to SOURCE: headed up by chef Ollie Bridgewater, and serving creative dishes in a stylish location.

The Michelin Guide says:

"Set over a number of intimate dining rooms is this flagship restaurant of the charming Gilpin Hotel; be sure to start your visit with an aperitif in the bar or one of their many cosy sitting rooms. The cooking adopts a modern and sometimes playful style, including the increasingly common incorporation of Japanese ingredients."

Find more information on SOURCE here

The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite, Near Keswick

The Cottage in the Wood, Magic Hill, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Near Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

On the road to Whinlatter Forest you can find The Cottage in the Wood – a cosy restaurant with a big reputation for incredible food.

The Michelin Guide says:

"As you make your way up the Whinlatter Pass, you will find this remote black and white inn that boasts some fabulous Lakeland views – best enjoyed from a seat in the conservatory. The cooking comes in the form of a tasting menu and makes use of local produce, with every part of the ingredient put to use. Dishes are well-conceived and blend classical execution with a subtle modernity that highlights a variety of flavours and textures."

Find more information on The Cottage In The Wood here

The Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle

The Pentonbridge Inn, B6318, Penton, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 5QB

The Pentonbridge Inn is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, offering relaxed fine dining, on the English-Scottish Border. Discover a seasonal menu with its heart in local produce. 

The Michelin Guide says:

"There's an inviting, contemporary feel to this 18th-century Cumbrian inn that's situated so far north, it nearly crosses the Scottish border...The adept kitchen team match the wonderful surroundings with ease, eschewing unnecessary flourishes and instead delivering beautiful balance and depth of flavour with just a few ingredients – as evidenced by superb vadouvan-spiced scallops."

Find more information on The Pentonbridge Inn here

Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, at Farlam Hall

Farlam Hall Hotel, Hallbankgate, Brampton, CA8 2NG, United Kingdom

Located at the beautiful Farlam Hall Hotel, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai offers a light, airy and welcoming space in which to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and outstanding food.

The Michelin Guide says:

"Named after the ancient tree that stands in front of it, this restaurant sits inside the Farlam Hall Hotel...The restaurant offers Indian-influenced cooking in the form of a generous tasting menu or an à la carte, both showcasing British produce – including plenty of ingredients from the kitchen garden – enhanced by skilful spicing. The service team are on the ball and ensure you are well looked after."

Find more information on Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai here

Rogan & Co, Cartmel

Devonshire Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6QD

The South Cumbrian village of Cartmel is home to two Michelin starred restaurants, both under the umbrella of renowned chef Simon Rogan. Rogan and Co is a laid-back venue in an attractive cottage next to a stream.

The Michelin Guide says:

"L’Enclume’s laid-back cousin sits in the centre of the village and occupies a pretty cottage beside a stream, with dark wood beams and welcoming open fires. Simon Rogan’s influence is clear to see on the menu, which lists skilfully prepared, understated dishes that make great use of creative ingredient and flavour combinations."

The Forest Side

Keswick Road, Grasmere, LA22 9RN, United Kingdom

A luxurious hotel and restaurant, located in the village of Grasmere.

The Michelin Guide says:

"Provenance and sustainability play a major role in the ingredients, often coming from their Victorian kitchen garden or local suppliers, as well as being foraged by the team. Skilfully prepared, creative dishes are full of vibrant colours, textural contrasts and sublime flavours."

Dog and Gun Inn

Skelton, CA11 9SE, United Kingdom

A family owned village pub in Skelton, on the northern edge of the Lake District.

The Michelin Guide says:

"The Dog and Gun is a proper village pub which does what pubs do best, by providing warmth, honesty and food that puts a smile on your face. Chef-owner Ben Queen-Fryer cooks with his heart and plenty of natural talent, keeping dishes satisfying and recognisable."

Heft

Newton in Cartmel, LA11 6JH, United Kingdom

A 17th century village inn, today home to a cosy pub area and a Michelin starred restaurant.

The Michelin Guide says:

"This 17th-century village inn has been sympathetically restored by Cumbrian born-and-bred couple Kevin and Nicola Tickle...Kevin conjures up a tasting menu inspired by the seasons, the surroundings, his imagination and his local foraging knowledge. The playfully described dishes reveal real depth and originality."

Lake Road Kitchen

Lake Road, Ambleside, LA22 0AD, United Kingdom

An award winning restaurant in the heart of Ambleside.

The Michelin Guide says:

"Dishes often look simple, but are in fact complex, creative and contain impressive depth of flavour – years of culinary experience are evident in every mouthful. Service is smooth, with the detailed dish descriptions delivered with confidence and pride."

The Samling

Ambleside Road, Ambleside, LA23 1LR, United Kingdom

Fine dining restaurant, located at The Samling hotel overlooking Windermere.

The Michelin Guide says:

"The skill of the chefs is evident in their technical mastery and fine balancing of flavours; well-seasoned monkfish ballotine is a prime example, expertly cooked sous vide and accompanied by a beautifully subtle carrot and saffron sauce."

The Old Stamp House Restaurant, Ambleside

Church St, Ambleside LA22 0BU

Set in the former workplace of William Wordsworth in Ambleside.

The Michelin Guide says:

"In the heart of the Lake District sits this quirky little restaurant...the skilfully prepared dishes have been well-thought-through and carefully balance bold and delicate flavours; each one has a story – sometimes historic, sometimes personal."