Two Cumbrian restaurants win prestigious awards including Allium at Askham Hall near Penrith

Two Cumbrian restaurants have been awarded a prestigious accolade, including Eden's Allium at Askham Hall near Penrith.

The AA has announced its Rosette Award winners for 2022.

Allium at Askham Hall in Eden has been awarded four rosettes and Henrock in Windermere has been awarded three rosettes.

Establishments with three AA Rosettes are all outstanding restaurants achieving standards which demand national recognition well beyond their local area, while those awarded four AA Rosettes are considered among the top restaurants in the country.

Near Ullswater, Allium at Askham Hall has built up its reputation for food and drink under the guidance of head chef Richard Swale. 

With menus inspired by produce directly from the Lowther estate and the surrounding farms and Cumbrian countryside, it has been described by the AA as a “destination dining experience worthy of a special trip”.

Today’s announcement comes just two weeks after Allium at Askham Hall retained its Michelin Star status in the 2022 Michelin Guide.

Askham Hall was also recently named as the Country House Hotel of the Year in the Good Hotel Guide 2022, picking up a prestigious César award in the latest edition of the UK’s leading independent accommodation guide.

“This is fantastic news!” says Askham Hall’s owner, Charles Lowther. “The entire team really appreciate this wonderful recognition, which underlines not only our commitment to the customer experience but our collective passion for producing plates of food that are completely in harmony with nature and the seasons.

“The philosophy of living off the land is at the heart of our ethos and the fantastic abundance of produce on Askham Hall’s doorstep throughout the year is fundamental to our ever-evolving menus. Only a handful of restaurants attain four rosettes and this latest accolade perfectly complements both Richard’s Michelin star and the recent César award.”

It is part of a collection of places to eat, drink and sleep on the edge of the Lake District, known as the Askham Collection. Sister establishments are the Queen’s Head in the village of Askham and the nearby George & Dragon at Clifton.

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Media, said: “We are delighted to recognise those restaurants that are achieving the highest levels of gastronomic excellence in our country. Congratulations to all those working at these establishments, who continue to show the breadth and quality of the British culinary landscape.”