The best places to eat and drink in Cumbria, chosen by chef Simon Rogan
By Madeleine Howell 3 January 2019 • 10:56am
From afternoon tea to a Japanese restaurant, via an artisan bakery – the Michelin-starred chef shares an insider's guide to the best food and drink in Cumbria
2018 was a good year for restaurateur, chef and Lake District farmer Simon Rogan. Not only did his Cartmel restaurant L'Enclume retain two Michelin stars, but the nearby Rogan & Co was also awarded a star for the first time in October - as was Roganic in London, which opened in January 2018. Finally, this month it was announced that he will be opening a further two restaurants in Hong Kong.
It's no surprise: tourists flock from all over the globe for his fine dining in Cumbria, and to experience the nearby Beatrix Potter trail. Here, Simon shares his own local haunts in the area surrounding Cartmel – a destination to tick off your gourmet bucket list in 2019, if you haven't already...
The Hazelmere
"A destination for afternoon tea – the range of teas on offer is second to none. There's even a tea sommelier, as well as amazing cakes, pies, sandwiches and pre-prepared picnic hampers in the deli. The setting is this beautiful Edwardian terrace right on the seafront, and coach-loads of people come especially to visit."
2 Yewbarrow Terrace, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ED; 015395 32972; thehazelmere.co.uk
Higginson's of Grange
"This butcher's was set up by husband-and-wife Stuart and Pauline Higginson, and it's one of the best in the UK. They sell amazing Lake District venison, beef and pork, as well as homemade sausages and pies. They've also got a deli and take-out service attached with hearty portions for picnics. It's very naughty, but if I'm peckish on my way to work in the morning, I get a full breakfast bap which is absolutely divine – great quality bacon to set you up for the day."
36 Main Street, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6DE; 015395 34367; higginsonsofgrange.co.uk
The Mason's Arms
"A beautiful pub close by with amazing views up in the fells, overlooking the Winster Valley. They serve craft beers, Cartmel lamb shank and a brilliant Sunday lunch, which I've had many times."
Grange-over-Sands LA11 6NW; 015395 68486; masonsarmsstrawberrybank.co.uk
Chester's by the River
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"A restaurant and cafe that's a bit under the radar but which is quite close to my heart for its amazing veg-based dishes. They also do breakfast and a great afternoon tea. They've also got a wood-fired oven for pizzas and a beautiful setting by the River Rothay, which comes into its own when the sun shines."
Skelwith Bridge, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria; LA22 9NJ; 015394 34711; chestersbytheriver.co.uk
More? The Artisan Bakery
"The founder of this bakery, Patrick Moore, always has a different kind of bread on the go – but my favourite is the sourdough, which is one of the best I've tasted. And you can grab a coffee at the cafe while you're there too."
Staveley Mill Yard, Back Lane, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9LR; 01539 822297; moreartisan.co.uk
"I'm really into Japanese cuisine at the moment and this place is great for sushi, ramen and tempura, run by a husband-and-wife team. The best Asian food in the Lake District with a fantastic atmosphere."
Compston Road, Ambleside LA22 9DH; 07446 769375; restaurant.diningatwabisabi.com
The Bluebird Café by the Lake
"One of my favourite places in the whole area, on the shore of Lake Coniston. It's a great cafe with home-cooked food and amazing views and surroundings. A place to escape and get away mobile phones don't work too well, although perhaps they've put up a mast now, damn them! When the sun shines you can spend all day there and get a boat out and back again."
Lake Road, Coniston LA21 8AN; 015394 41649; thebluebirdcafe.co.uk
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