Business Details
Michelin Star Dining in the Lake District
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District's Whinlatter Forest, The Cottage in the Wood has established itself as a beacon of culinary excellence and sustainable hospitality. Our Michelin-starred restaurant showcases the finest British ingredients, sourced from local producers and transformed through innovative, precision-driven techniques. Under the leadership of Head Chef Jack Bond and General Manager Beth Bond, we combine decades of experience from renowned establishments like Eleven Madison Park and Apricity Restaurant to deliver a dining experience that harmonizes creativity with environmental responsibility.Our commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operation, from zero-waste kitchen practices to eco-conscious accommodations in our historic 17th-century building. With accolades including three AA Rosettes and recognition in SquareMeal's Top 100 Restaurants, we offer guests not just a meal, but a carefully curated journey through the natural larder of Cumbria, all within a setting that balances rustic charm with modern elegance.
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Boutique Accommodation
Tasting Menus
Sustainable Cuisine
Private Dining
Wine Pairing Experiences
Highlights and features
- We hold a prestigious Michelin Star for culinary excellence
- Our menus feature hyper-local ingredients from Cumbria's natural larder
- We implement zero-waste kitchen practices and sustainable operations
- Our team includes award-winning professionals from world-class establishments
- We offer a unique dining setting within a historic 17th-century building
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
- AA Rosettes
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Our Michelin-starred restaurant delivers innovative tasting menus showcasing the Lake District's natural larder. We combine precise culinary techniques with sustainable practices to create seven-course evening and five-course lunch experiences. Each dish highlights seasonal ingredients from local producers, with wine pairing options available.
Boutique Accommodation
We offer four individually designed rooms in our historic 1640 building and a secluded treetop retreat. Each room blends period features with modern comforts, featuring en-suite facilities and forest views. Our accommodations provide immersive experiences in England's highest mountain forest environment.
Sustainable Cuisine
Our kitchen implements zero-waste practices through ingredient transformation techniques. We minimize environmental impact by sourcing locally and using every part of ingredients creatively. This approach extends to our bar operations and eco-friendly packaging solutions for all dining experiences.
People
Jack Bond
Head Chef
Award-winning chef with experience at Eleven Madison Park and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Specialises in sustainable, ingredient-focused cuisine that earned The Cottage in the Wood its Michelin Star.
Beth Bond
General Manager
Sustainable hospitality expert previously at Apricity Restaurant. Leads our commitment to zero-waste operations and regenerative business practices in the Lake District's natural setting.
Questions
How do I book a table at The Cottage in the Wood?
Reservations can be made through our website for lunch Thursday-Saturday and dinner Wednesday-Saturday. Online bookings open six months in advance.
What sustainability practices does the restaurant implement?
We use zero-waste kitchen techniques, source hyper-local ingredients, employ eco-friendly cleaning products, and have eliminated single-use plastics throughout our operations.
Are there accommodation options available?
Yes, we offer four boutique rooms in the original 1640 building and a secluded treetop retreat with forest views and modern amenities.
What are the restaurant's opening hours?
Lunch service runs Thursday-Saturday 12:30-1:00pm, dinner Wednesday-Saturday 6:30-8:00pm. The restaurant is closed for specific holiday periods.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
We can adjust menus for allergies and dietary needs with advance notice. Please inform us of requirements when making reservations.
Reviews (7)
Emma Walker
Dec 12, 2021
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Absolutely fantastic short break away. A year late due to the pandemic but so worth the wait. Lovely, relaxed and cosy atmosphere in a beautiful location with well appointed rooms. We last visited in 2014 and had a lovely time and since this they have gained the Michelin star, which is without a doubt, well deserved. This time we had the taste cumbria menu with the wine flight and this did not disappoint. The staff serving us on Friday evening were just lovely - friendly yet professional and knowledgeable. The whole meal was delicious and not forgetting the treacle bread ! Just wish we could have
Claire Oconnor
Dec 01, 2021
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Only had lunch there to celebrate my belated 50th, due to Covid stopping us last year. The food was beautiful, the staff were warm and welcoming, would thoroughly recommend this lovely place.
Gail J.
Nov 29, 2021
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Just a lass from Hull....having her first taste of Michelin star food on her 54th birthday. The flavours popped in my mouth, I've never experienced magical flavours like it. Thank you for your kind, friendly hospitality. Made my day
Eric Berthoud
Oct 20, 2021
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A lovely lunch here via the tasting menu. Made accommodations for dietary requirements. Good value and excellent finish on each dish. Hen of the Wood was lovely. Lovely staff too. Voluntary increase to the discretionary service charge was well deserved.
Faron Young
Sep 14, 2021
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My boyfriend and I visited Cottage in the Woods at the end of August for my birthday, to try their tasting menu. The food was amazing and the service was exceptional - with the team even giving me a birthday card! We've been dreaming about their treacle bread since we left - a must visit if you're in the Lakes.
Mary Nower
Sep 13, 2021
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Food was impeccable and the service was faultless. Well deserved reputation. Lunch menu allows you to sample three courses with optional hot drinks and petit four. Full vegetarian menu provided and were very accommodating when the starter wasn't to my taste. Lovely view through the forest including over Grisedale Pike. Would definitely recommend and will be returning.
David Ingham
Aug 21, 2021
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The food matched the views and setting. Simply wonderful. Great atmosphere. We were spolit on our anniversary with a lovely card and a warm welcome. Can't wait to go back.
