A LAKE District hotel has been awarded three AA Rosettes.

The Forest Side at Grasmere has joined some very illustrious company, having just been awarded a three AA Rosettes for the quality of its food.

Members of the team from the Forest Side, including head chef Kevin Tickle, were presented with the coveted three AA rosettes on Monday at a glitzy black tie soiree, held at the Grosvenor House hotel in London.

Each year the event is attended by world-renowned chefs, prominent hoteliers, restaurateurs​, hospitality gurus and key media, and is one of the main highlights in the industry calendar.

Forest Side is among only 13 properties in the UK to be awarded three rosettes this autumn.

The AA commented in their report on the food produced at Forest Side: "A stunning dining experience with originality, flair and flavour delivery provided in equal measure. A memorable experience."

Kevin Tickle, Forest Side’s head chef, said: ''I am delighted for Forest Side and the team, this is a very proud moment for everyone. This is the start of a long and rewarding journey for the team and I know we can continue to push on and achieve even more in the future.''

Not only has Forest Side made great inroads this year, but her sister hotel, Hipping Hall, near Kirkby Lonsdale, is also keeping the same esteemed company.

With head chef Oli Martin behind the stoves the North Lancashire restaurant with rooms has successfully retained its three AA Rosettes for the third year and is in the running for several other awards, with results due to be announced later this year.

Andrew Wildsmith, owner of The Forest Side and sister hotel Hipping Hall, said: ''Forest Side has only been open for just over seven months and to be recognised in this way is a great achievement for everyone involved with Forest Side, especially for Kevin and his team in the kitchen. We all work to one end and that is without doubt to ensure our guests have the best possible experience during their stay with us.

"One thing is for sure we won’t rest on our laurels and will keep pushing to achieve even more in the coming months and years… Forest Side, Hipping Hall and The Ryebeck will most certainly be hotels to keep an eye on… so watch this space."