Top chef Hrishikesh Desai has been awarded three AA Rosettes for the Cedar Tree restaurant at Farlam Hall.
With fellow director Karen Baybutt, Mr Desai took over the country house hotel in Brampton as chef patron in early 2023.
In the same week, the restaurant was also added to the prestigious Michelin Guide.
Its inspectors said: “The restaurant offers Indian-influenced cooking in the form of a generous tasting menu or an à la carte, both showcasing British produce – including vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden – enhanced by skilful spicing. The service team are on the ball and ensure you are well looked after.”
Mr Desai, winner of the Roux Scholarship and who trained under Paul Bocuse, has taken part in the BBC’s Great British Menu, reaching the final twice.
He won a Michelin star at Gilpin for his eponymous restaurant, HRiSHi, and has huge aspirations for the Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall.
He said: “We are delighted to have achieved so much in six short months at Farlam Hall. We’ve invested a lot of time and energy into the kitchen garden and estate grounds and we know we will reap the rewards for years to come.
“The addition of a third AA Rosette and recognition from Michelin is so important for our team, for their hard work and dedication to be recognised at this level is incredible and we are so proud of them all. We can’t wait to show everyone what we are capable of in our beautiful corner of north eastern Cumbria.”
