Two of my favorite local restaurants in the Lake District have recently been awarded the highest honors awarded in fine dining. Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cartmel, which I visit and write about every so often, has been awarded its second Michelin star, the first for any restaurant in the Cumbria region. Some of you will recognize Simon from the Great British Menu 2012 where he took out the competition in desserts and came out in the top three for pretty much every other course. Also not to be missed is the restaurant at the Holbeck Ghyll hotel run by chef David McLaughlin. Helped by Stefan one of my all time favorite sommeliers. Always got a hidden gem from Bordeaux up his sleeve. The restaurant has held on to its shining Michelin star for 13 consecutive years, which is no easy feat if you know how tough it is to maintain excellence in the eyes of fussy judges. David never gets complacent and every meal, every day has to be produced to the highest standard. It’s a combination of great ingredients, a fusion of flavors and keeping things simple that makes both these restaurants winners.
