One of the 13 Michelin Starred eateries in the Lake District

The launch of the 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland saw three more Lake District restaurants receive coveted stars. This means that the area can now lay claim to an incredible 13 Michelin star eateries – the highest number in the UK outside of London.

Whilst most of the attention is focused on L’Enclume in Cartmel – which last year became the first ever restaurant outside the capital and the South East to be awarded three Michelin stars – twelve other Michelin starred restaurants are together putting the area on the map for more than just spectacular scenery!

Currently creating a particular stir amongst foodies is The Forest Side, recently named Best Country Hotel of the Year in the UK by the Good Hotels Guide 2023.

This year the Michelin inspectors were particularly impressed by head chef Paul Leonard’s ability to create “skilfully prepared, creative dishes full of vibrant colours, textural contrasts and sublime flavours”, praising the restaurant for its “provenance and sustainability”.

With a growing trophy cabinet that also includes an impressive four AA Rosettes, this “restaurant with rooms” offers a series of epic tasting menus that celebrate local produce, be it aged Cumbrian lamb, 30 different types of apples from its own orchard or whatever Paul has foraged from the fellside that day.

One of The Forest Side’s most valued treasures is its extensive and original redbrick walled Victorian garden that grows a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that are used not just in its menus, but to infuse locally made gin, vodkas, whiskeys and rums. The result is a truly unforgettable dining experience that continues to entice guests, locally, nationally and internationally.

The Forest Side offers both 4-course and 6-course lunch menus, starting from £55 per person. While the evening offering consists of 4-course and 8-course menus, from £85 per person. Vegetarian and vegan menus are also available.

The Forest Side Hotel Keswick Road, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9RN

https://www.theforestside.com/

About The Forest Side

The Forest Side is located just minutes from Grasmere village, which William Wordsworth lived in for 14 years and described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Sitting in its own dappled forest canopy at the foot of the Lake District fells, this exceptional property has its own fellside which is home to a herd of roe deer, red squirrels and native plant species including foxgloves, wood sorrel and common sorrel. Once guests have explored the 43 acres of woodland surrounding the property, the rest of the Lakes are on the doorstep. Lake Windermere is a 15- minute drive south, and walking routes around Grasmere, Rydal, Loughrigg, as well as the Langdales are just a few of many to explore.

The Gothic mansion, previously a private home, houses 20 contemporary guest bedrooms with three categories: Cosy, Superb, or Master. All rooms have been designed by James Mackie and feature Farrow and Ball colour shades, super comfortable beds made by Harrison Spinks to an exclusive design for the hotel, luxurious textiles and wallpapers by Zoffany, deep pile Herdwick carpets by Wools of Cumbria, limestone tiled bathrooms and natural bath and body products handmade by Bramley.

The Forest Side is also dog friendly in six rooms.