ONE of the Lake District's leading chefs has bagged a Michelin star - bringing the county's total to five.

Rogan & Co in Cartmel - run by Simon Rogan of the nearby L’Enclume, was awarded a one-star rating which sees it join the exclusive club of Cumbrian restaurants which all share the glowing seal of approval by the team behind the internationally-respected 2019 Michelin Guide.

Furthermore, L’Enclume itself continues to boast two stars, having been honoured by the Michelin Guide every year since 2005 when the business was just three years old. Simon’s London restaurant Roganic was also awarded a Michelin star.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “The latest announcements by the team at the Michelin guide once again demonstrates just how much choice our visitors and residents have when it comes to luxury dining.

"With such a concentration of food excellence right across the county, it’s little wonder that the Lake District, Cumbria is just as well-respected for its food and drink offering as it is for adventure, culture and relaxation.”

While Cumbria is one of England’s largest counties it is also one of its least urbanised making its culinary prowess even more significant.

To celebrate the outstanding food and drink offering in Cumbria, Cumbria Tourism will launch their annual Food and Drink Guide this autumn. Introduced by Hawkshead Relish Director and co-owner, Maria Whitehead, MBE, the guide showcases some of Cumbria’s best restaurants, pubs and local producers.

A go-to guide for visitors coming to Cumbria, the Food and Drink Guide is distributed across the county as well as within a two and a half hour driving distance for those planning a visit.

She added: “Our forthcoming Food and Drink Guide is a staple publication for the millions of visitors coming to Cumbria each year and we’re proud to produce this essential guide with our members.”