Four number ones in a row for L’Enclume

CUMBRIA restaurant L’Enclume has topped The Good Food Guide’s annual top 50 listing of the best restaurants in the UK for the fourth year in a row.

The eatery in Cartmel was awarded the full 10 points because of the “soaring sophistication” of chef Simon Rogan’s food.

It also hailed his 17-course tasting menu for its “clever elements of technical wizardry to keep the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ going with cooking forever breaking new ground”.

Rogan said: “It’s amazing news to be number one for the fourth year running. I’m really grateful to The Good Food Guide for their faith in awarding us top spot once more, and appreciative for the enormous effect is has on our business.

“It’s a huge achievement but could not happen without a massive team effort. For me, it’s a privilege to lead this outstanding group of people.

“There’s no doubt that L’Enclume is approaching the most creative period in its history, and achieving the quality I dreamed of when I first opened its doors.”

Only one other restaurant – Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Cornwall – received the top score of 10.
 
Only one other North West eating house featured in the top 10 –  French restaurant Fraiche, in the Birkenhead, Merseyside suburb of Prenton, with a score of eight.

The French in Manchester featured at number 18, which also scored eight.

Forest Side at Ambleside in the Lake District entered the top 50 for the first time at number 37 with a score of seven and the Freemasons at Wiswell in Lancashire weighed in at number 43, also with a seven score. Lake Road Kitchen, also in Ambleside featured at number 49 with a score of six.