LAKE D ISTRICT

The Lake District’s dining scene has evolved to become one of the best in the UK, with a ton of awards and a commitment to local ingredients

THE COTTAGE IN THE WOOD

Whinlatter Forest, England’s highest mountain woodland, is the setting for this outstanding Michelinstarred restaurant with rooms. Head chef Ben Wilkinson relies heavily on Cumbrian produce and has carved a reputation for inventive flavour pairings. thecottageinthewood.co.uk

DRUNKEN DUCK INN

The Lake District has plenty of notable pubs, but even these days it’s rare to find one serving things such as crab, chive and apple crumpets, or venison suet bourguignon pudding. Step forward the Drunken Duck, one of the most sought-after food pubs in the region. drunkenduckinn.co.uk

THE YAN AT BROADRAYNE

Dwarfed by the hulking scenery of the Central Fells, The Yan is a classy bistro in the boutique hotel of the same name, based on Broadrayne Farm near Grasmere. Breakfast is offered, as are larger mains, sharing platters and indulgent puds. theyan.co.uk

HRISHI AT GILPIN HOTEL

You’ll need to book well ahead for a table at HRiSHi, in the five-star Gilpin Hotel & Lake House near Windermere, where the awards include four AA Rosettes and a Michelin star. The name is a tribute to hugely experienced head chef Hrishikesh Desai. thegilpin.co.uk

CARTMEL VILLAGE SHOP

Just outside the southern fringe of the park, Cartmel is best known for being home to fine dining haven L’Enclume, but the village also holds more affordable treats. Chief among them are the handmade batches of sticky toffee pudding that have been baked and sold at the village shop for decades. cartmelvillageshop.co.uk lakedistrict.gov.uk