Nestling in the heart of the Lake District National Park, The Forest Side has undergone a stunning renovation costing 4.5 million pounds by Hotelier Andrew Wildsmith, who already operates two highly regarded boutique hotels, the Hipping Hall in Kirkby Lonsdale and The Ryebeck in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just off the Keswick Road in Grasmere, the fairy-tale Gothic mansion is surrounded by 40 acres of beautifully restored grounds, including a kitchen garden. The restaurant is flooded by natural light from the tall picture windows with lovely views of the distant fells, rustic oak wood tables made by a Kendal craftsman from the original floorboards are set against smart leather chairs.

Just two months after opening, The Forest Side picked up the Best Newcomer and Hotel Restaurant of the Year by the Cumbria Life Food and Drink Awards, and has also been awarded 37th place in The 2017 Good Food Guide Top 50 Restaurants. Further accolades followed with a prestigious Michelin star in the 2017 edition of the Guide and four rosettes at the AA Hospitality Awards 2017.

There's a choice of three tasting menus prepared in the open kitchen, so guests can watch the chefs at work. Choices include dishes like venison pastrami, smoked juniper yoghurt, mooli, corra linn and pickled allium flowers; line caught halibut, dittander, charred lettuce and razor clam or new season grouse, carrot, woodland funghi, elderberry and smokey oats, finishing with gooseberry, buttermilk and sweet cicely.

The extensive wine list highlights renowned small producers from around the world featuring organic, sustainable and bio-dynamic vintners. The Forest Side also has 20 beautifully individually styled bedrooms should you wish to stay and explore the area further.

The Forest Side is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide, AA Guide

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Modern British

Paul Leonard

Lunch: 12.00 - 2.00pm Wed-Sun
Dinner: 7.00 - 9.00pm

Visa, Master Card, American Express

• 50 covers

Accomodation is available, (20 rooms)

Private parking is possible at a location nearby