CUMBRIA has extended its reputation as a world-class ‘culinary capital’ after scooping 13 coveted Michelin Stars across 11 restaurants.

Cumbria already held the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per county outside London but has extended that record-breaking total with newcomers Heft, The Samling and Pentonbridge Inn all achieving the coveted Michelin star status in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2023.

Michelin Star restaurants lure foodies from all corners of the globe and are famed for offering the crème de la crème of eating and dining experiences.

The full list of Michelin Stars in Cumbria now includes:

  • L’Enclume, Cartmel (three stars)

The Mail: L’Enclume is situated in a former blacksmiths workshop in the historic village of Cartmel.L’Enclume is situated in a former blacksmiths workshop in the historic village of Cartmel. (Image: Submitted)

  • Rogan & Co, Cartmel (one star)
  • HEFT, Newton in Cartmel (one star) 

The Mail: Lakes Inn & Restaurant, Heft, High Newton, owned by Kevin and Nicola Tickle.Lakes Inn & Restaurant, Heft, High Newton, owned by Kevin and Nicola Tickle. (Image: Submitted)

  • Allium at Askham Hall, Askham (one star)
  • Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite (one star)
  • Old Stamp House, Ambleside (one star)

The Mail: Old Stamp House, in Ambleside, has successfully retained its Michelin Star for the fourth year running, since being award the accolade in October 2019. Old Stamp House, in Ambleside, has successfully retained its Michelin Star for the fourth year running, since being award the accolade in October 2019. (Image: Submitted)

  • SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, Windermere (one star)

The Mail: Ollie Bridgwater (ex Fat Duck), Aakash Ohol (ex HRiSHi), and Tom ‘Westy’ Westerland, chefs at Source.Ollie Bridgwater (ex Fat Duck), Aakash Ohol (ex HRiSHi), and Tom ‘Westy’ Westerland, chefs at Source. (Image: Submitted)

  • Pentonbridge Inn, Penton (one star) 
  • The Samling, Windermere (one star) 
  • The Dog & Gun Inn, Skelton (one star)
  • The Forest Side, Grasmere (one star)

The Mail: The Forest Side on the outskirts of Grasmere serves ‘modern British’ cuisine with the majority of ingredients grown in its 44-acre grounds.The Forest Side on the outskirts of Grasmere serves ‘modern British’ cuisine with the majority of ingredients grown in its 44-acre grounds. (Image: Submitted)

L’Enclume has also retained its Michelin Green Star status, highlighting outstanding sustainability practices which are at the forefront of the hospitality industry.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh said: “This is a special moment both for the individual businesses and our wider status as the ultimate UK destination for a gourmet escape.

“For Cumbria to achieve thirteen internationally-respected Michelin stars really is a remarkable achievement - not to mention the outstanding natural landscape and abundance of locally sourced produce we have here on our doorstep.

“Running restaurants at continuously high standards is no mean feat and we undoubtedly have the best of the best. Big congratulations to everyone involved.”

She added: “As well as fine dining restaurants, we have outstanding breweries and distilleries, cosy pubs, lakeside cafes and so much more.  A vast array of talented and hard-working businesses continue to play a vital role in helping the Lake District, Cumbria to maintain its well-earned reputation as being among the very best food and drink destinations you are ever likely to find anywhere in the world.

“We’re also working hard with colleges and schools to inspire the next generation about careers in hospitality, and today’s industry trailblazers are fantastic role models for future talent too.”