Two Cumbrian restaurants have been named among the best in the UK for fine dining.
The Old Stamp House in Ambleside and Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle, feature in the TripAdvisor’s 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, based on the quality and quantity of reviews posted on the site.
The Old Stamp House, run by chef Ryan Blackburn and his family, is second in the top 10. The Michelin starred restaurant is recommended for its cosy atmosphere and reviewers say it is perfect for a special evening.
Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle, took seventh spot.
The awards celebrate the highest level of excellence in travel and recognise destinations which receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the TripAdvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of eight million worldwide listings, fewer than one per cent are selected.
Chris Archer, head chef at Pentonbridge Inn, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been named as one of the best fine dining restaurants in the UK.
“The fact that this award is based on reviews from people who have dined at the restaurant and stayed with us makes it even more special. We’re so grateful for the continued support we have from our guests and the wonderful feedback that they give us, both in person and through reviews.”
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards described Pentonbridge Inn as offering an informal take on fine dining, with friendly staff and an eight-course tasting menu that showcases local ingredients.
Chris has been head chef at Pentonbridge Inn for five years and the front-of-house team at Pentonbridge Inn is led by Ross Bell, with the restaurant-with-rooms owned by Gerald and Margo Smith, who also operate luxury self-catering cottages and apartments at Netherby Hall. As well as a Michelin-star, Pentonbridge Inn holds three AA Rosettes.
