A top Lake District restaurant says retaining its Michelin star is even more important amid the unprecedented challenges currently facing the hospitality industry.
The Cottage in the Wood, in the Whinlatter mountain forest near Keswick, has been confirmed as one of the recipients of the much-coveted accolade in the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2021.
Chef-Director at The Cottage in the Wood, Ben Wilkinson, said the challenges of the pandemic mean it is vital to keep celebrating the culinary talent that the UK has to offer.
He said: “There’s no denying that it’s tough for the hospitality industry right now, but it’s important to remind people what we have and look ahead to reopening our doors to customers when the time is right.
“Running a restaurant to such continually high standards takes passion, hard work and resilience from a dedicated team of people. Although the last 12 months have tested chefs and restaurateurs to the limit, there is a collective determination to keep striving for excellence - and fight for the future of our industry.
“In the Lake District, there is a massive breadth and depth of outstanding food and culinary talent, which we need to hold onto and develop for the future. We’re proud to be part of that and whatever 2021 holds, we will always strive to maintain those standards and reinforce our region’s growing reputation as a leading dining destination outside London.”
Originally a 17th century coaching inn, The Cottage in the Wood was transformed by owners Kath and Liam Berney into one of Cumbria's leading ‘Restaurants with Rooms’ from 2002.
Kath and Liam were joined by Chef Director Ben Wilkinson and his partner Restaurant Director Monika Zurwaska in 2017 and the restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in the Autumn of 2019.
The Michelin Guide states that Mr Wilkinson’s menu “offers sophisticated and well-balanced flavours”, and “the service is natural and honest”.
Mr Wilkinson has developed his understanding of flavour combinations from working in top restaurants across the UK including Windows at London Hilton, Midsummer House, Holbeck Ghyll and Rampsbeck Hotel in the Lake District.
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