Simon Rogan’s Culinary Adventures in Cumbria
Simon Rogan might have a 12-seater chef’s table in Soho, but his heart remains securely in the Cumbrian countryside. In the idyllic village of Cartmel, nestled on the southern edge of the Lake District, he has gained three Michelin stars for his restaurant L’Enclume. He also has the less formal but still Michelin-starred Rogan & Co and Aulis Cartmel, a behind-the-scenes ‘chef’s table’ adjacent to L’Enclume.
A stone’s throw into the Cartmel Valley, you’ll find his farm, the heartbeat of his operation, where almost everything he uses in his restaurants is grown and harvested. This hub is where you can eat, stay, and play away a long weekend. It has been established as a major Cumbrian attraction for foodies and lovers of the Lake District for 20 years. Simon was a pioneer of farm-to-fork dining, having embraced the concept long before it was mainstream. Cartmel epitomizes his ethos of seasonal and sustainable living in the kitchen.
A Day at the Farm Experience
Simon’s Cartmel offering, A Day at the Farm, started up again this summer and sold out almost as soon as the tickets were available. “We’ve always wanted to do it, to be honest. Where better to sample the ingredients you find on the farm than with us?” He recognizes that “Cartmel [as a working farm and place to eat and stay] can’t get any busier, so we decided to do something different; it’s pure and a little bit special.”
Simon Rogan’s Relationship with Cumbria
Simon’s life is established in Cumbria, but he travels regularly for work and has restaurants in Hong Kong, Malta, London, and Thailand. However, The Lake District is “home, where I’m most comfortable and relaxed. I’ve lived here for 22 years, and I miss it terribly when I’m away. It’s my manor, if you like.” While it may not have the reputation of cities like London or Edinburgh for its food scene, he insists, “we are spoiled for choice when it comes to fine dining up here.”
Autumn in the Lake District
When reflecting on his favorite time of year in The Lakes, Simon does not hesitate to declare autumn as his favorite. “I love the spring, but autumn always wins. Coming into the autumn brings a massive abundance of produce to use, and the colors are stunning, especially in Grasmere. The atmosphere is just heavenly.”
Top Five Restaurants in Cumbria
With that, Simon shares his five favorite spots to eat in Cumbria, proudly stating, “I’m going Michelin star-free and fine dining-free; these are my go-to places on my day off.”
Lovingly Artisan
This wonderful bakery is just outside Kendal. “Aiden, who founded it, is a great guy, and they have the same ethos as we do. We usually use their sourdough for functions elsewhere.”
Best time to go
“If you want the pick of the crop, it’s best to get there early because they pull crowds and get very busy.”
Dish to order
“Their sourdough is a real winner, focusing on slow fermentation of British organic flour and sustainability.”
Home Ground, Windermere
“My team and I frequent this coffee shop and café. It’s incredibly busy, and the specialty coffees are exceptional.”
Best time to go
“Visit on your day off to relax and enjoy their exquisite single-batch brew filter coffee.”
Dish to order
“The sandwich with smoked bacon, avocado, hash browns, and caramelized red onions is a must-try.”
Base Pizza
“This pizza place near Windermere is my favorite in the Lakes. They delivered pizzas on the night we won three Michelin stars.”
Best time to go
“It’s great anytime, though it’s not open on Sundays.”
Dish to order
“The tomato, mozzarella, and spicy sausage pizza is just delicious.”
The Yan
This serene restaurant in Grasmere is nestled in a 17th-century building. “They focus on sustainability, growing all their own fruit and vegetables.”
Best time to go
“Autumn is lovely; if you can, plan for a weekend.”
Dish to order
“The rustic chicken breast with katsu curry ticks all the boxes for me.”
House of Siam
“It’s a family-owned Thai restaurant; they make the best green curry I’ve had outside of Thailand.”
Best time to go
“It’s perfect for dinner.”
Dish to order
“The green curry is always a highlight, bursting with flavor and freshness.”
