Rural hidden gem restaurant with views of the Lake District

The Cottage in the Wood offers great views of the surrounding area. <i>(Image: Getty)</i>
The Cottage in the Wood offers great views of the surrounding area. (Image: Getty)
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A restaurant described as a “rural hidden gem” has been named as one of the best in the Lake District by the Michelin Guide.

The Cottage in the Wood is a “unique” Michelin star restaurants with eight boutique rooms available to stay in.

Found in a popular area of the Lake District, the restaurant “still feels hidden” and could be a great place to stop during a walk around the local area.

The restaurant offers a tasting menu that has been “created with ingredients from local farms and sustainable suppliers”.

Why should I visit the Cottage in the Wood?

Talking about the Cottage in the Wood, the Michelin Guide said: “The restaurant itself is a delight, with diners spread across the cosy dining room and the modern conservatory with genuinely stunning views.

“Chef Jack Bond and his wife Beth took over in 2024 and have put their own spin on the place.

“Jack’s well-honed technique and assured flavours are peppered with creative touches, while the wood-burning stove and vinyl records bring a retro touch.”

The restaurant offers a lunch and dinner tasting menu featuring dishes such as squid ragu with pecorino cheese and basil, duck with maitake and broth, and an apple tart.

There are two different tasting menus so guests who are staying for two nights get to enjoy a new experience on each night.

What do customers of the Cottage in the Wood say?

One reviewer on Tripadvisor said: “What an amazing experience.

“The setting is stunning, the food is magical and the whole ethos of sustainability surrounding The Cottage in the Wood is inspiring.”

Another reviewer said: “Fantastic meal with excellent wine flight.

“The team won out of the way to make us feel welcome, and to accommodate dietary requirements.

“Presentation of the food was first class as you expect and a service was excellent attentive but not in your face.

“We also really enjoyed the relaxed ambience, and all in all a lovely evening.”

Would you like to visit the Cottage in the Wood? Let us know in the comments below.

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