February is always seen as a romantic month with the approach of St Valentine’s Day. We have some little gems of intimate dining out locations in our beautiful county, where you can enjoy amazing food and beverages in the company of the one that you love. Feel free to make a note of these great restaurants for future birthday and anniversary ideas too!
Cumbria offers such beautiful scenery and the landscape provides great produce for these local establishments to utilise and deliver deliciously onto their guests’ plates. We have 4 stunning suggestions for you to deliberate.
The Michelin Star awarded Forest Side restaurant is situated within the country hotel of the same name. The stunning Grasmere location is run by Head Chef Kevin Tickles, who grew up in the Lake District and has foraged his whole life. Forest Side’s focus is very much local, from wood used in the restaurant furniture to artisans producing the crockery and the suppliers of ingredients. Put your trust in the chef and his local knowledge of food and he will deliver a variety of courses which will intrigue and amaze you.
On your special evening choose from either a 6 course or 10 course tasting menu bringing together the very finest produce from the Cumbrian terrain. Grasmere is an ideal setting to enjoy the moment with your companion and discuss the dishes – or works of art, as they appear – before you.
To contact Forest Side, click here
The George & Dragon is a gorgeous pub within the Lowther country estate in Clifton, near Penrith. The Lowther family fully restored the venue in 2008 and the staff take pride in providing the best experience to their guests. This multi award-winning restaurant uses ingredients from within a 20-mile radius, including the Lowther family farms and the kitchen gardens at Askham Hall. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their comprehensive wine list and real ales to accompany the meal as you dine amidst the stylish décor and 3 cosy wood fires.
For more information, click here
The Allium Restaurant at Askham Hall is suitably grand for a special occasion. Richard Swale has held the position of Head Chef there for 5 years now after gaining experience in London and France. Returning to his roots, he has created a menu embracing the seasons with the freshest local ingredients, picked from the hotel garden and marries them with the freshest meat, fish and game to create the most beautiful plates of food. What’s more, they have just been awarded 3 AA Rosettes for exceptional food.
To contact Allium, click here
The Drunken Duck is located at Barngates in Ambleside. It has an incredibly varied menu which is subject to daily change for seasonal and local produce. A lovely mix of vegetarian options are included, not as a standard non-meat alternative but as an appealing dish for everyone.
Book your table here
So, you are now spoilt for choice on the culinary front for this special occasion, hope you’ve got the perfect card written and ready. Enjoy!