We visited the Lake Road kitchen a couple of years ago and have always wanted to return. There's a huge problem with this restaurant. Once you've eaten here you will never be able to eat anywhere else without comparing it. It spoils you for anywhere else, it's so good. We constantly find ourselves saying 'but it's not as good as the Lake Road Kitchen'. This is place is an absolute gem (don't be put off by the exterior and location - it's the point of what they're trying to create - the low key kitchen vibe) and we were so excited to return to celebrate my husbands birthday - and we were not disappointed. We had the 8 course tasting menu. The food is incredible and it's clear the head chef has a huge passion for what he does and how much his diners enjoy his food.. you can see him watching the restaurant looking for reactions to his dishes. The fried chicken is probably the best I've ever had in my entire life and the sourdough bread is literally to die for. We love the relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. You can dress in jeans and a jumper and feel comfortable. They have created something very special here with the right intimate relaxed vibe, incredible food, amazing service and presentation. Can't wait to return.
Tourist50731702868
Came here to celebrate myself and my partners engagement. It was easiest the best meal we have ever had. We had the 5 course taster menu with wine pairing. The fried chicken in particular was incredible, however every course was exceptional in its own right. The service was so attentive with every course and wine explained. We will definitely be returning to try the 8 course taster menu. Only a matter of time before this gets a Michelin star. Worth the money to eat such high end food.
Keith morley
Superb uncomplicated beautiful dishes, packed with flavour, a really well balanced tasting menu for £74 for 5 courses, Delicious crusty homemade sourdough with their own butter, we've not tasted better. Clean, fresh flavours from the starters, amazing powerful barbecued miso pork dish and intense double baked cheesecake with juma berry compote. Excellent wine pairing, sommelier and all the staff were immensely knowledgeable and friendly. A more relaxed and informal dining experience with less complicated intense dishes than the Old Stamp House but equally as tasty. My wife actually preferred this restaurant, so no better praise.
Deborah Barleggs
The experience far exceeded our expectations. Service was incredibly thoughtful, friendly, informative and just the right pace. Matching wines were a delight. Food was a triumph - perfectly balanced, interesting and downright tasty!Dietary restrictions: We chose the pescatarian menu. Well done LRK for offering this up. Puts you in the minority of chefs that do this, and do this well.
Ellie P
One of the best meals we have ever had. We had the 8 course tasting menu and added the Prawn cutlet sandwich, which was my husband's favourite! And we had some of the best bread we have ever eaten.Two small criticisms: Slightly too protein heavy (would have liked more carbs/ veggies) and the decor was disappointing for the standard of food (the toilets looked particularly cheaply furnished).Would definitely return - make sure you get the cookies!
masaccio
We go to lots of fine dining restaurants which includes restaurants with up to 3 stars. Often the food is impressive, but is sometimes impressive for its own sake. The Lake Road Kitchen goes for fine dining that has a comfort food vibe from around the world. A congee with beef reminded me of Taiwanese beef stew, and the popcorn chicken was Korean/Japanese with a little delicious spice. Our extra dish of Parmesan custard was comforting and rich but refined as well; somehow Japan meets Italy. Wine pairings are better than anywhere I can think of with care about how the dish is served with the wine. A monkfish dish had far too much rich beetroot jus with it, but as soon as you tasted the wine it all came together. The four-person team all pitch in with front of house mixing with chefs in presenting the food. The effect is very authentic and gels together well. Last time I ate this well, it was Tommy Bank’s 2 star restaurant in Yorkshire where one of the Lake Road chefs was a senior chef for some time. With the Asian influence the two chefs have come together to produce something that is interesting but still really comforting. I’d happily make a detour to come back here again.
Raquel Pereira
I had the pleasure of dining at this exquisite restaurant in the heart of the Lake District, and it was truly a culinary delight. My experience was elevated by the incredible 8-sample menu, that left my taste buds dancing with joy. The food was not only delicious but also impeccably presented, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity.What impressed me equally was the impeccable service. The food was delivered promptly, allowing me to savor each course at its freshest. The staff were not only professional but also incredibly friendly, adding a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the entire dining experience.From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance and attention to detail, creating the perfect setting for a fine dining experience. Every dish was a masterpiece, expertly crafted with the finest ingredients, leaving a lasting impression on my palate.I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable meal, this establishment in the Lake District is a culinary gem that should not be missed. I am already looking forward to my next visit, eager to indulge in their culinary creations once again.
Robert Leach
Genuinely one of the best dining experiences we have had in our lifetime. Every member of staff gave an incredibly insightful introduction to each course, clearly demonstrating their passion and the love that went into every meal. All incredibly friendly & welcoming also.Every. Single. Dish. Was perfection. Each one has its own brow raising moment and we savoured every bite.Beautiful atmosphere and relaxing ambiance. (This is also coming from someone who suffers with generalised anxiety!)So a big thank you to the owner and all the staff for an incredibly memorable evening! Looking forward to our next trip up to the Lakes!
Rona D
Everything about this place is amazing, we had the best night for hubby's birthday and our 25th Anniversary last night. The food was outstanding, we opted for the 8 courses but added in the parmesan dish to share as an extra which was the best decision ever as it was exquisite! We loved that you are talked through every dish and couldn't believe how stunning the flavours were. Thanks to all 3 of you for making our evening so special. Best food we've ever had and we've eaten a lot of lovely food over the years! We will definitely be back xxx
JohnLBath
Revisit after 5 years as we live a long way away and delighted to find food still exceptional. Cooked with great enthusiasm, passion and pride by James and his team. Service outstanding. From the bread and aged butter at the beginning you know you are in for a great feast and food was able to constantly delight and surprise. Exceptional restaurant. Fantastic team.
What an experience . After many visits ,Lake Road Kitchen still thrills with the outstanding quality and flavours of the food , the service and ambiance . How it doesn’t have a Michelin star beats me. The heart and sole of the restaurant is the chef and the excellent team . The detail in every course and the flavour profiles make it impossible to choose a favourite. We took friends for the first time and they were equally thrilled by this small but perfectly formed restaurant .
dibbsy
This was our second visit to LRK. It is absolutely outstanding. We had the 8 course menu, my wife is a veggie and I have to say that her dishes were equally as good, if not better than mine. Hard to pick stand-out courses but for me the Parmesan Custard and the Pork were very special. The wine list is well curated and not ridiculously expensive. We planned our visit during dinner and we came home with their sourdough bread and chocolate cookies. Love it, love it, love it!
Huarong Tang
It was nice to be back. We were here 3 years ago in 2020 - this was our most memorable dinner at the Lakes, more than L’Enclume, Old Stamp House etc. Today was another amazing dinner - thanks to James and his team. We loved every minute here, from the food to the hospitality. We will definitely come back!!!
P213ZHsarahh
Beautiful food and a relaxed atmosphere, a perfect evening. We had the 8 course tasting menu, one vegetarian and one standard, plus one wine flight and the Wagu beef. Every dish was light, fresh, interesting and so moorish. Great pacing of dishes, the staff were seamless and there was a great vibe. Absolutely loved it
Swiftgrade
This restaurant is a firm favourite of ours. Exquisite food that is beautifully presented in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It is absolutely in the same league as the Stamp House and Heft and I cannot understand the lack of a Michelin star.
We visited the Lake Road kitchen a couple of years ago and have always wanted to return. There's a huge problem with this restaurant. Once you've eaten here you will never be able to eat anywhere else without comparing it. It spoils you for anywhere else, it's so good. We constantly find ourselves saying 'but it's not as good as the Lake Road Kitchen'. This is place is an absolute gem (don't be put off by the exterior and location - it's the point of what they're trying to create - the low key kitchen vibe) and we were so excited to return to celebrate my husbands birthday - and we were not disappointed. We had the 8 course tasting menu. The food is incredible and it's clear the head chef has a huge passion for what he does and how much his diners enjoy his food.. you can see him watching the restaurant looking for reactions to his dishes. The fried chicken is probably the best I've ever had in my entire life and the sourdough bread is literally to die for. We love the relaxed unpretentious atmosphere. You can dress in jeans and a jumper and feel comfortable. They have created something very special here with the right intimate relaxed vibe, incredible food, amazing service and presentation. Can't wait to return.
Came here to celebrate myself and my partners engagement. It was easiest the best meal we have ever had. We had the 5 course taster menu with wine pairing. The fried chicken in particular was incredible, however every course was exceptional in its own right. The service was so attentive with every course and wine explained. We will definitely be returning to try the 8 course taster menu. Only a matter of time before this gets a Michelin star. Worth the money to eat such high end food.
Superb uncomplicated beautiful dishes, packed with flavour, a really well balanced tasting menu for £74 for 5 courses, Delicious crusty homemade sourdough with their own butter, we've not tasted better. Clean, fresh flavours from the starters, amazing powerful barbecued miso pork dish and intense double baked cheesecake with juma berry compote. Excellent wine pairing, sommelier and all the staff were immensely knowledgeable and friendly. A more relaxed and informal dining experience with less complicated intense dishes than the Old Stamp House but equally as tasty. My wife actually preferred this restaurant, so no better praise.
The experience far exceeded our expectations. Service was incredibly thoughtful, friendly, informative and just the right pace. Matching wines were a delight. Food was a triumph - perfectly balanced, interesting and downright tasty!Dietary restrictions: We chose the pescatarian menu. Well done LRK for offering this up. Puts you in the minority of chefs that do this, and do this well.
One of the best meals we have ever had. We had the 8 course tasting menu and added the Prawn cutlet sandwich, which was my husband's favourite! And we had some of the best bread we have ever eaten.Two small criticisms: Slightly too protein heavy (would have liked more carbs/ veggies) and the decor was disappointing for the standard of food (the toilets looked particularly cheaply furnished).Would definitely return - make sure you get the cookies!
We go to lots of fine dining restaurants which includes restaurants with up to 3 stars. Often the food is impressive, but is sometimes impressive for its own sake. The Lake Road Kitchen goes for fine dining that has a comfort food vibe from around the world. A congee with beef reminded me of Taiwanese beef stew, and the popcorn chicken was Korean/Japanese with a little delicious spice. Our extra dish of Parmesan custard was comforting and rich but refined as well; somehow Japan meets Italy. Wine pairings are better than anywhere I can think of with care about how the dish is served with the wine. A monkfish dish had far too much rich beetroot jus with it, but as soon as you tasted the wine it all came together. The four-person team all pitch in with front of house mixing with chefs in presenting the food. The effect is very authentic and gels together well. Last time I ate this well, it was Tommy Bank’s 2 star restaurant in Yorkshire where one of the Lake Road chefs was a senior chef for some time. With the Asian influence the two chefs have come together to produce something that is interesting but still really comforting. I’d happily make a detour to come back here again.
I had the pleasure of dining at this exquisite restaurant in the heart of the Lake District, and it was truly a culinary delight. My experience was elevated by the incredible 8-sample menu, that left my taste buds dancing with joy. The food was not only delicious but also impeccably presented, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity.What impressed me equally was the impeccable service. The food was delivered promptly, allowing me to savor each course at its freshest. The staff were not only professional but also incredibly friendly, adding a warm and welcoming atmosphere to the entire dining experience.From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the elegant ambiance and attention to detail, creating the perfect setting for a fine dining experience. Every dish was a masterpiece, expertly crafted with the finest ingredients, leaving a lasting impression on my palate.I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable meal, this establishment in the Lake District is a culinary gem that should not be missed. I am already looking forward to my next visit, eager to indulge in their culinary creations once again.
Genuinely one of the best dining experiences we have had in our lifetime. Every member of staff gave an incredibly insightful introduction to each course, clearly demonstrating their passion and the love that went into every meal. All incredibly friendly & welcoming also.Every. Single. Dish. Was perfection. Each one has its own brow raising moment and we savoured every bite.Beautiful atmosphere and relaxing ambiance. (This is also coming from someone who suffers with generalised anxiety!)So a big thank you to the owner and all the staff for an incredibly memorable evening! Looking forward to our next trip up to the Lakes!
Everything about this place is amazing, we had the best night for hubby's birthday and our 25th Anniversary last night. The food was outstanding, we opted for the 8 courses but added in the parmesan dish to share as an extra which was the best decision ever as it was exquisite! We loved that you are talked through every dish and couldn't believe how stunning the flavours were. Thanks to all 3 of you for making our evening so special. Best food we've ever had and we've eaten a lot of lovely food over the years! We will definitely be back xxx
Revisit after 5 years as we live a long way away and delighted to find food still exceptional. Cooked with great enthusiasm, passion and pride by James and his team. Service outstanding. From the bread and aged butter at the beginning you know you are in for a great feast and food was able to constantly delight and surprise. Exceptional restaurant. Fantastic team.
Restaurantji Recommends
What an experience . After many visits ,Lake Road Kitchen still thrills with the outstanding quality and flavours of the food , the service and ambiance . How it doesn’t have a Michelin star beats me. The heart and sole of the restaurant is the chef and the excellent team . The detail in every course and the flavour profiles make it impossible to choose a favourite. We took friends for the first time and they were equally thrilled by this small but perfectly formed restaurant .
This was our second visit to LRK. It is absolutely outstanding. We had the 8 course menu, my wife is a veggie and I have to say that her dishes were equally as good, if not better than mine. Hard to pick stand-out courses but for me the Parmesan Custard and the Pork were very special. The wine list is well curated and not ridiculously expensive. We planned our visit during dinner and we came home with their sourdough bread and chocolate cookies. Love it, love it, love it!
It was nice to be back. We were here 3 years ago in 2020 - this was our most memorable dinner at the Lakes, more than L’Enclume, Old Stamp House etc. Today was another amazing dinner - thanks to James and his team. We loved every minute here, from the food to the hospitality. We will definitely come back!!!
Beautiful food and a relaxed atmosphere, a perfect evening. We had the 8 course tasting menu, one vegetarian and one standard, plus one wine flight and the Wagu beef. Every dish was light, fresh, interesting and so moorish. Great pacing of dishes, the staff were seamless and there was a great vibe. Absolutely loved it
This restaurant is a firm favourite of ours. Exquisite food that is beautifully presented in a calm and relaxed atmosphere. It is absolutely in the same league as the Stamp House and Heft and I cannot understand the lack of a Michelin star.