Two Cumbria restaurants added to the Michelin Guide

On Monday February 5, The Michelin Guide Ceremony Great Britain and Ireland 2024 took place at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.

It was a night of celebration, with a new Three Star restaurant unveiled, as well as six new Two Stars and 18 restaurants newly awarded One Michelin Star. 

Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside, by Chef-Owner James Cross, was one of the 18 restaurants joining the roster of Michelin-starred restaurants. It has also become the third starred restaurant in Ambleside alone.

Michelin praised the chef for his cooking which took 'the leap to the next level'.

It said: "The tasting menu flows with ease from one skilful dish to the next, with each one demonstrating balance, restraint and harmonious flavour combinations.

"The cooking is modern in style, with influences from around the globe used to get the best out of the first-rate produce."

L’Enclume’s Head Sommelier Valentin Mouillard, received the Sommelier Award, seven years after joining the group. (Image: Submitted)Valentin Mouillard, who has been working for seven years at the L’Enclume in Cartmel, won a Michelin Sommelier Award - part of the five Special Awards highlighting exceptional individuals and remarkable teams who have impressed the Michelin Inspectors over the past year.

In Brampton, Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai sees the eponymous Chef awarded a One Star again after holding a Star for six years at the now-closed HRiSHi.

L'Enclume, run by chef Simon Rogan, retained its Three Stars. Forest Side in Grasmere, heft in Newton in Cartmel, Old Stamp House in Ambleside, Rogan & Co in Cartmel, SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel in Windermere, The Samling in Windermere, Dog and Gun Inn in Skelton, Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite, Penton Bridge Inn in Penton, Allium at Askham Hall in Askham all retained their One Star.

Simon Rogan said: ‘’I’m totally thrilled that both L’Enclume and Rogan & Co have retained their respective stars and that’s down to the hard work of every single team member across the whole company. From the team at Our Farm to the office, from the Academy apprentices to the respective front of house and kitchen teams and every role in between, without you this really wouldn’t be possible, so I want to say a huge thank you all.’’

‘’I’d also like to welcome Cumbria’s two new one-star editions Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall and Lake Road Kitchen, as they join the deserving ranks of what has become the UK’s leading dining destination outside London.’’ 

Executive chef, Ollie Bridgwater took over at SOURCE in January 2023. (Image: Submitted)

Commenting on retaining the star for SOURCE for the second year, Executive chef Ollie Bridgwater said:

"The Michelin Star last year was a huge moment for me. It is a pivotal moment in any chef’s career, but from a personal perspective, this year, it feels even more rewarding.

"We have worked incredibly hard over the last year to maintain the highest standards across everything we do. And we’re really only at the beginning of our journey. It's fantastic to be part of such a special and growing fine dining scene here in the Lake District."