Lake District restaurants have been named among the best in the UK.
The National Restaurant Awards celebrate the brilliance and vibrancy of the UK’s eating out scene, and reward the very best chefs, front of house staff and restaurants the country has to offer.
The annual awards, voted for by hundreds of chefs, restaurateurs and food writers from across the country, are regarded as one of the hospitality industry’s most respected accolades.
It creates a top 100 list of eateries and The Forest Side at Grasmere came in at 23 – the highest rated Cumbrian restaurant.
Paul Leonard, head chef at The Forest Side, said: “To be recognised by our peers and included among the UK’s best restaurants is a huge honour for the whole team.
“Awards like these reflect the hard work, passion and commitment that everyone brings every day, from the kitchen to front of house and the wider network of local farmers, growers and producers who help make what we do possible.
“We’re incredibly proud to represent Grasmere and the Lake District on a national stage.
“Cumbria continues to establish itself as one of the most exciting food destinations in the country, and it’s fantastic to see so many businesses from the region receiving the recognition they deserve.”
This accolade caps a landmark year for The Forest Side and Paul.
Earlier this year, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin Green Star in recognition of its commitment to sustainability, responsible sourcing and environmentally conscious operations. Paul also competed in the North West heat of the BBC’s Great British Menu and appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cartmel came in at 34, his Henrock restaurant at Windermere was 40th and Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, near Keswick claimed 62nd spot.
Jack and Beth Bond, of Cottage in the Wood, said: “Being listed in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 for the first time under our ownership is huge news for the whole team.
“Everything we’ve achieved reflects the hard work and dedication of every single person here. This one belongs to all of them.”
Simon Rogan was also presented with the Outstanding Industry Contribution Award in recognition of his lasting impact on British dining and his pioneering approach to farm-led, hyper-seasonal cooking.
Judges said: “From the internationally acclaimed L’Enclume in Cartmel to his wider restaurant portfolio, Rogan’s influence can be seen across an entire generation of chefs and restaurants.”
Simon said: “I didn’t think I’d get one of these until I was on death’s door, so hopefully there’s still a bit of life left in me yet.
“Next year, L’Enclume turns 25, which feels pretty hard to believe.
“It’s been an incredible ride – plenty of highs, plenty of lows, but over that time, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some unbelievably talented people: chefs, growers, front-of-house teams, producers, and friends, who have all played a part in getting us to where we are today.
“I’m so proud of what L’Enclume stands for today and how it continues to inspire people all over the world.
“The values we built in Cartmel all those years ago still drive us today, and we carry that spirit with us wherever we go, from events to our restaurants in Malta, Hong Kong, and Thailand.
“Hospitality is a special industry. It’s demanding, exhausting, brilliant, and addictive all at the same time.
“Everyone working in it knows exactly what I mean because we live it every day. And it’s tougher than ever right now, so huge respect to everyone who keeps showing up and giving it everything they’ve got. We’ve got to keep this industry not just alive, but thriving for the next generation.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far, including Mark McCabe and his team at Henrock, who have entered the Top 100 for the first time this year. Huge congratulations to them for all their hard work.
“And finally, thank you to my wife for putting up with me through it all.”
