Eating Out in Cumbria
It's that time of year again. Thanks to Steven Doherty of
the wonderful Lakeland Cafe, I got roped in to help with the judging of the
Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards this time last year.
Now it's time for a repeat performance. We're looking not
just at the food, but also service, ambiance, cleanliness, and value for money.
Everything you expect when you go out to eat.
We have a number of categories to judge, from fine dining
restaurants to pubs and from tea shops to farm shops.
As I am one of the judges the restaurant at Linthwaite can't
enter the competition. So how else does a restaurant get judged?
At the top level ambitious Chefs aim for a Michelin star.
Linthwaite is listed by Michelin but doesn't have a star.
Some Chefs hanker after an AA Rosette or three; Linthwaite
has two but they are irrelevant as they applied to the Chef who left last
October. Our new Chef hasn't been inspected yet.
Chris, our Head Chef joined us in April. Last month the Good
Food Guide came out. You can't buy your way into it. They accept no money, just
like Michelin but unlike the AA, who charge a restaurant to go into their
guide.
So we were delighted Chris got a high five (out of ten) in
the new Good Food Guide. To put that into context, only Sharrow
Bay, Gilpin Lodge and Holbeck Ghyll
have a score of five in Cumbria.
Over five only applies to the brilliant Simon Rogan's L'Enclume, which has a
ten, one of only two restaurants in England to receive such the
ultimate accolade.
The other one is the Fat Duck at Bray, Heston Blumenthals
temple of food. In London a five applies to restaurants like Pierre Kauffman's,
Galvin's Bistro Deluxe, Arbutus and Wild Honey, and yet Roux at Parliament
Square and the Savoy Grill have a mere four!
So not bad for a new boy; well done Chris. The confusing
thing though for you the reader is how to compare one restaurant with another.
Sharrow and Holbeck each have a Michelin Star as does L'Enclume. Is it more
difficult to get a Star than five in the Good Food Guide?
So think of me this Autumn as one of a small band of judges
having to eat their way through a number of meals in Cumbria and helping to decide which
restaurants, tea shops etc deserve the accolade of the Best of Cumbria. It's a
tough life!
What the Press say
"Perched high on a hill above Bowness, Linthwaite House Hotel occupies an idyllic spot. The sign at the bottom of the drive invites you up to sample of the view - and what a magnificent view it is. Lake Windermere in the distance is as clear as a mirror while the hills beyond are covered with snow, flushing pink underneath the setting sun. If you visit during the winter months, as I did, you may find it difficult to tear yourself away from log fires and afternoon teas, but there are 14 acres of private grounds to explore, including a tarn for fly fishing. In warmer weather, guests can improve their golf on the putting green or play a game of croquet on the lawn. It's no wonder Linthwaite has picked up an impressive array of awards. " Christen Pears, Northern Echo, January 2003.
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What our Guests say
“Most liked: the personal attention and welcome back note from Sarah! The informality of the staff and the whole experience is like being wrapped up in a warm blanket... we never want to go home!”