A foodie Cumbria trip

The Lake District, Cumbria did incredibly well in the Michelin star awards last week, 

The North West’s very own National Park already has a reputation for being a world-class ‘culinary capital’, with fantastic places to eat and drink across the county; as well as an abundance of local produce. 

But as the 2023 Michelin Stars were announced, the local tourist board was obviously thrilled that the county now has an outstanding 13 Michelin Stars across 11 restaurants!

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh said: “This is a special moment both for the individual businesses and our wider status as the ultimate UK destination for a gourmet escape.

“For Cumbria to achieve thirteen internationally-respected Michelin stars really is a remarkable achievement – not to mention the outstanding natural landscape and abundance of locally sourced produce we have here on our doorstep.

“Running restaurants at continuously high standards is no mean feat and we undoubtedly have the best of the best. Big congratulations to everyone involved.”

L’Enclume in Cartmel, was one of eight in the country that all kept their three stars, the highest accolade.

Cumbria is the county boasted the greatest number of new stars, with three, one more than Devon, with two.

The Cumbrian restaurants newly recognised included The Samling, “where the cooking is now more than a match for the spectacular views”, heft offers “imaginative cooking” in a 17th-century inn, and Pentonbridge Inn.

Stars were also retained by:

• Source at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere (one star)
• Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite (one star)
• Allium at Askham Hall, Askham (one star)
• Rogan & Co in Cartmel (one star)
• The Forest Side at Grasmere (one star)
• Old Stamp House in Ambleside (one star)

In total, the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2023 recommends 173 One Michelin Star restaurants.

“In every region of Great Britain and Ireland, you can now find hugely talented chefs calling out to gourmets with their exquisite and accomplished cuisine,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

“Great Britain & Ireland continues to impress with the sheer variety of its Michelin Stars. Whether diners are looking for somewhere formal or casual, historic or new, there is a Michelin-starred establishment for them.”

The Michelin Guide Ceremony was held at Silverstone in Northamptonshire last night. In total, the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2023 recommends 1,143 restaurants, of which 206 are Michelin-starred, 29 have been awarded a Michelin Green Star, and 116 are highlighted with a Bib Gourmand.