If you’re a food enthusiast, you should consider heading to the county in the UK that currently holds the highest number of Michelin stars.
Gilpin, Windermere
The Gilpin is a hotel located in the Lakes that is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where impeccable service meets a friendly and casual ambiance. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Ollie Bridgewater, previously of Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, reflects this vibe. The cuisine is exceptional, featuring dishes such as charcoal-roasted cauliflower steak with black garlic ketchup and roast cod with saffron compote and vermouth emulsion. For those who prefer not to have the tasting menu, there is an à la carte option available. The addition of paired wines enhances the dining experience, and it is highly recommended to include the optional cheese course. The hotel offers doubles starting from £285 B&B, while the tasting menu costs £120 per person. More information can be found on their website at thegilpin.co.uk.
Skelton’s Dog & Gun
Since its transformation into an upscale dining pub in 2017, the Dog & Gun, owned and run by Chef Ben Queen-Fryer, has received numerous accolades. In 2022, it was awarded a Michelin star, but it still retains its charm as a traditional village pub, serving exceptional food. Some of the standout dishes include locally sourced Cartmel venison and wild halibut with vermouth sauce. Indulgent desserts are also available, and the pub takes pride in listing its local suppliers. Additionally, visitors are welcome to bring their furry friends along. The restaurant offers a three-course menu for £59 per person and a tasting menu for £78 per person. More information can be found on their website at dogandgunskelton.co.uk.
Grasmere’s Forest Side
While a visit to the Forest Side in Grasmere may not be budget-friendly, it is the perfect destination for an unforgettable birthday or anniversary celebration. The Gothic mansion prides itself on utilizing locally sourced ingredients, with 90% of them obtained from within a 10-mile radius, including produce from the hotel’s own extensive gardens. The four- and eight-course tasting menus offer exquisitely crafted dishes featuring inventive and flavorful combinations such as steamed cod with smoked pike roe and aged venison with walnuts. The cost for the four-course menu is £85 per person, and the eight-course option is available for £130 per person. Guests can also opt for the dinner, bed and breakfast package, starting at £429 for a double room. For more information, visit theforestside.com.
Ambleside’s Apple Pie Bakery
Indulging in culinary delights doesn’t always require a complex tasting menu; sometimes, all one needs is a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Since 1975, the family-owned Apple Pie Bakery has been satisfying sweet-toothed patrons. Although it started with only five tables and a kettle, the bakery has grown into a two-story establishment with five seating areas. The bakery offers a wide range of delicacies, including Eton mess eclairs and blueberry and lemon frangipane, and also provides hot sandwiches for takeaway. To fully experience the bakery’s charm, guests can stay in one of the cozy rooms located next door, making it a perfect base for a relaxing Ambleside retreat. Rooms start at £65 per night on a room-only basis, and more information can be found on their website at applepieambleside.co.uk.
Longtown’s Hidden River Café
If you’re searching for an “off-the-beaten-track” destination, look no further than Longtown’s Hidden River Café, located on the tranquil banks of the river Lyne, just a 20-minute drive from Carlisle. The café has earned a reputation for serving delectable small plates such as beef and smoked cheese croquettes and soy-brined mackerel, in addition to steaks and burgers sourced from local farms. If you’d like to extend your stay in this beautifully secluded spot, you can reserve one of the charming wooden cabins and enjoy a weekend of relaxation. Mains at the café start at £15, and cottages that accommodate six guests are available from £200 per night. For more information, visit hiddenrivercabins.co.uk.
