Business Details
Award-Winning Michelin Star Restaurant in the Lake District
Nestled in the heart of Whinlatter Forest, The Cottage in the Wood has established itself as a beacon of culinary excellence in the Lake District. Since our inception, we have championed the use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, forging partnerships with artisan producers across Cumbria and beyond. Our team, led by Head Chef Jack Bond and General Manager Beth Bond, brings decades of experience from world-renowned establishments, including Eleven Madison Park and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Recognised with a Michelin Star and three AA Rosettes, our commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in every dish, from our seven-course tasting menu priced at 120 to our lighter five-course lunch option at 75.We offer a unique blend of boutique accommodation and immersive dining, where guests can savour views of England's highest mountain forest while enjoying creative, sustainably focused cuisine. Our accolades, including being named No. 71 in SquareMeal's Top 100 Restaurants, reflect our dedication to excellence, while our eco-conscious practicesfrom zero-waste kitchens to chlorine-free cleaningensure we preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings for future generations.
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Restaurant with Rooms
Sustainable Cuisine
Wine Pairing
Gift Vouchers
Highlights and features
- We hold a Michelin Star for culinary excellence and innovation.
- Our menus feature hyper-local ingredients from trusted Cumbrian producers.
- Three AA Rosettes recognise our commitment to exceptional cuisine.
- Sustainable practices eliminate single-use plastics and food waste.
- Boutique rooms offer immersive forest views in a historic 1640s building.
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Star
- AA Rosettes
What people say
Michelin Star excellence
Breathtaking forest setting
Innovative tasting menus
Eco-conscious ethos
AA Rosettes recognition
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Our Michelin Star Restaurant showcases Jack Bond's creative, flavour-driven cooking using hyper-local ingredients. Diners enjoy seven-course tasting menus priced at 120, with wine pairings highlighting artisan producers. Sustainability underpins every dish, from foraged herbs to zero-waste techniques.
Boutique Accommodation
Four individually designed rooms and a treetop suite offer immersive forest stays. Features include en-suite bathrooms, historic charm, and uninterrupted views of Skiddaw mountain. Rooms blend modern comforts with 17th-century character for a unique Lake District experience.
Sustainable Practices
We implement zero-waste kitchen methods, chlorine-free cleaning products, and locally sourced ingredients. Menus utilise every part of ingredients, while partnerships with nearby farms reduce food miles. Our approach ensures environmental responsibility without compromising culinary quality.
People
Jack Bond
Head Chef
Jack brings global culinary experience from Eleven Madison Park and Gordon Ramsay's restaurants. His philosophy combines precise, sustainable cooking with Cumbrian terroir, earning The Cottage its Michelin Star.
Beth Bond
General Manager
Beth oversees sustainable operations and wine curation, drawing from her background at London's Apricity Restaurant. She champions regenerative practices and zero-waste cocktails at The Cottage.
Questions
How do I book a table at The Cottage in the Wood?
Reservations for lunch (Thursday-Saturday) or dinner (Wednesday-Saturday) can be made via our website up to six months in advance.
Does The Cottage offer accommodation-only bookings?
We only accept bookings that include dinner or breakfast due to our 'Restaurant with Rooms' concept.
Are children welcome at The Cottage?
Children are welcome if they can enjoy the full tasting menu, but we do not offer a separate children's menu.
What sustainability initiatives does The Cottage implement?
We use zero-waste kitchen practices, chlorine-free cleaning, and locally sourced ingredients. Menus utilise every part of ingredients to eliminate food waste.
How accessible is The Cottage in the Wood?
Treetops room requires navigating steep stairs, and our forest location has limited parking. Contact us directly for specific accessibility needs.
Reviews (6)
Marina Hayhurst
Jun 19, 2022
Report
Truly an amazing experience from start to finish. All of the staff were very pleasant and attentive. Every dish we tried had my tastebuds tingling. The view was amazing and the wildlife kept us entertained. My first visit but definitely not my last.
Lee Cain
May 22, 2022
Report
This review is made on the basis of the hospitality rather than the quality of food and accommodation. My wife completed the Fred Whittington today and needed to make an impromptu water stop. Although the proprietor was clearly on a break, she could not have been more supportive, accoodating and helpful. We would love to return as a family of paying guests one day. Thank you very much.
Michael Milner
May 18, 2022
Report
Excellent venue for your special personal occasion. Had the evening menu, each course splendid. Stayed overnight and breakfast was also excellent. You cannot fail to be impressed with front of house staff. They know all about what they placing before you. The chef and brigade provide a memorable feast.
Sue Hannah
May 18, 2022
Report
We had the Taste Dinner with the wine recommendations. Fantastic, each mouthful a taste sensation, each course a work of art. Not suitable for bargain hunters or malfunctioning tastebuds.
Judith Smalley
Apr 13, 2022
Report
We have just returned from a 2 night stay at the cottage in the wood. We went for a special occasion. We were not disappointed. What a lovely 2 days. Everything from start to finish was absolutely amazing. The view from our bedroom was stunning. The food was amazing and the staff were so kind and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble. Our thanks to you all.
David Hayhurst
Apr 08, 2022
Report
I cannot begin to describe the utterly amazing experience that I have just enjoyed having lunch here. Fantastically, professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff. As for the food. Nothing that I can put on here in my own words can do justice to the exquisitely sublime meal that I have consumed. Every single course was truly fantastic. The whole wonderful experience was perfect. Thank you so much to the entire team at The Cottage in the Wood. You have left me with the fondest memories of a dining experience that I think I will ever have. Until I return.
