One of Cumbria’s top restaurants has gone on the market.

The Cottage in the Wood is up for sale for £1.2 million as owners Liam and Kath Berney are looking to retire.

The couple took on the restaurant with rooms in Whinlatter Forest in 2002 and it has become a major name in the region and has helped champion Cumbria’s high class cuisine.

Observer food critic Jay Rayner raved about its creative modern British style of cooking.

Liam, 63, says the time is right for him to retire.

“It is a young man’s business and you need lots of energy.

“We still have the enthusiasm, but there are a few little signs that make me think maybe I should hang my apron up,” he said.

The 17th century coaching inn on Magic Hill at Whinlatter also has nine bedrooms and has won numerous awards as well as featuring in guides including Michelin and was this year awarded a third AA Rosette.

It has a guide price of £1.2m and Tom O’Malley, business agent at Christie & Co who is handling the sale, said: “As a very well-established business with a strong reputation in a unique setting, it would suit anybody with a passion for food and drink.”

As well as creating a reputation for fine food, the Berneys have also been responsible for discovering and developing star chefs such as Ryan Blackburn and current head chef Chris Archer, who was recently featured on the BBC2 series Great British Menu.

Liam says that while he and Kath have decided to end their time at the restaurant, they still have plans to continue working.

“We feel that there is another chapter to write but we will be involved in something smaller and more manageable. We are ruling nothing in and nothing out.

“We love the Lakes, but it may be somewhere else in the north. The idea of just retiring is too much.”