A Lake District restaurant has today (October 5) been named the best fine dining restaurant in the UK, according to Tripadvisor. 

Housed in the former office of William Wordsworth, The Old Stamp House Restaurant boasts a Michelin Star and celebrates the food and cultural heritage of Cumbria serving food created by head chef Ryan Blackburn.

It is also regularly seen in "best fine dining restaurant in the world" lists.

Tripadvisor said: "We award Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best to restaurants with a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from our community over a 12-month period.

"Each winner has passed our rigorous trust and safety standards. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel.

"Below are the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants for fine dining. Think: white tablecloths, famous chefs, unforgettable bites."

Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best

1) The Old Stamp House Restaurant - Ambleside (One Michelin star)

Some reviews for the Lake District's prized gem include:

"Our third time here over a few years and it just gets better. We had an amazing tasting dinner with a strong, local theme reflecting the chef's love of Cumbria. Each course, from the delightful broth on arrival, was sublime."

Another patron said: "The food, wine pairing, service and ambience were all excellent. It is very rare for the chef/patron of a Michelin-starred restaurant to spend time with the customers, explaining the philosophy behind the menu and the heritage of the ingredients."

"We were lucky enough to get a lunchtime booking on 28/9 to coincide with our visit to Ambleside & my husband, Andy's birthday present & we were not disappointed. From the moment you arrive, it's apparent how relaxed this restaurant is, and worthy of the recent awards .

One very happy customer also commented: "We were taken on a culinary journey around Cumbria by discreet, friendly staff who were full of knowledge regarding each course."

The rest of the list:

2) Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 - Padstow

3) The Kitchin - Edinburgh

4) Hide and Fox - Hythe

5) Cellar - Anstruther

6) The Olive Tree - Bath

7) Pasture Cardiff - Cardiff

8) The Mahal - Cheltenham

9) La Dolce Vita - Shrewsbury

10) Launceston Place - London

Tripadvisor continued: "Congrats to all of the winners and a big thanks to the travellers who made it possible."