Eden’s Michelin star restaurants are still among the best in world.
The Dog and Gun Inn at Skelton and Allium at Askham Hall were among Cumbria’s 10 restaurants awarded one star by the prestigious Michelin Guide for 2023.
The county has the most Michelin stars in the UK outside London.
The Dog and Gun scooped its first Michelin star last year for its satisfying and flavour filled dishes.
Head chef Ben Queen-Fryer said: “It was such a shock to get a star in the first place, so keeping it has been a huge relief and nice acknowledgement of what we’re doing.
“It just shows that we are at that same level of hard work we were 12 months ago. Coming from a company totally steeped in the industry it’s also that reminder that we’re doing something worthwhile and good.
“You’re never quite sure why you got one, but we have never aimed to try and achieve one. Everything we do is always to get customers to come and see us and then to get them to come back.
“Our customers always come first, and I think that goes for everyone in the industry. But we do hope to offer something a little different from other Michelin places and high quality that is more accessible.
“Everyone is welcome here and it is very much a case of people coming to enjoy themselves and we do our best to give them good food.”
The head chef added that seeing so many establishments gain and keep Michelin stars in Cumbria felt slightly surreal.
He said: “It is strange to have so many Michelin stars here in Cumbria.
“But it is no surprise given the quality of chefs in the area, but it is a bit surreal for anyone who grew up in Cumbria to see it going from two or three places to 11.”
Allium at Askham Hall has had a Michelin star since 2019 under head chef Richard Swale.
He said: “It is amazing to keep hold of it for another year, all the team are very happy. It really shows the hard work that goes into everything we do.
“It’s like winning an Olympic gold medal, it is a real indicator of the process of years of hard work from starting as pot washers and dreaming of it – it’s truly the icing on the cake.”
Richard added that he felt the amount of Michelin star restaurants in Cumbria was a positive development. He said: “It’s brilliant, some people might think it is competition, but I think it is great. There are plenty of customers in the county for us.”
Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, near Keswick, also retained its Michelin star.
Owner Liam Berney said it had thrilled staff. “Everyone is very happy. Everyone is feeling wonderful. It is a real lift because it has been for everyone across the county a tough few years. I think Cumbria is truly emerging as a foodie destination,” he said.
“The whole thing has been very fulfilling, but it is not about awards and accolades, it is about satisfaction and enjoyment for guests who are here for a special occasion or for a stay.”
New entrants for 2023 were Heft, near Cartmel; The Samling, Windermere; and the Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle. L’Enclume at Cartmel retained its three Michelin star status.
Also holding Michelin stars for 2023 were The Forest Side, Grasmere; The Old Stamp House, Ambleside; Source (formerly Hrisihi), Windermere and Rogan & Co in Cartmel.
