A VEGETARIAN hotel in the Lake District has been voted the best of its kind at national veggie awards.

Lancrigg Country House Hotel, just half a mile from Grasmere, was awarded Best Vegetarian Hotel at the prestigious Vegfest UK Awards 2014 - voted by the public.

Situated in the heart of the Lakes for , it was recognised for its commitment to quality vegetarian food and its romantic accommodation.

“We are delighted to have received this award and to have been recognised for our hotel and our commitment to vegetarian food," said Lancrigg founder Robert Whittington. "We would also like to thank everyone who has supported us at Lancrigg and helped make it such a special place.”

One of Europe's keynote vegetarian lifestyle shows, the awards were presented by comedian Andrew O'Neill at the annual glittering ceremony held at London's Olympia.

Serving 100 per cent vegetarian food for 30 years, the restaurant at Lancrigg - open to residents and non-residents - serves internationally inspired vegetarian food using fresh and wholefood ingredients.

Alan, of Vegfest, said: "We're delighted to see Lancrigg doing so well over the years in bringing quality veggie accommodation to the forefront with their top-notch catering and beautiful setting.

"Lancrigg has really made travelling and eating out easy and stylish for veggies and vegans, and the Vegfest UK team have nothing but high praise for their whole team."

The organisation recognises and celebrates the vegetarian industry’s most innovative businesses and products.

Proprietors and founders Robert and Janet Whittington said they were committed to creating fresh and wholesome food - locally sourced where possible.

Surrounded by mountains, fields and woodland in a romantic setting, the traditional Lakeland Country House hotel has a rich history of connections.

These include the likes of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and the romantic poets, Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Fletcher and has been visited by many explorers, writers, artists and musicians.

Visitors can enjoy everything from polenta pancakes with Mexican red bean chilli to mushroom and Brazil nut puff pastry roulade.

Meals can even be complemented by a wide variety of organically produced wines and beers from our extensive cellar.