THREE Lake District restaurants have gained Michelin star status, bringing the total number of stars up to eight in the county.

Describing the Lake District as ‘a big winner’, the team behind the prestigious Michelin Guide gave one star to the Old Stamp House in Ambleside, Allium at Askham Hall and The Cottage in the Wood at Braithwaite, near Keswick.

In addition to the new one-star status announcements, stars have also been retained by: Hrishi at the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere (one star), L’Enclume in Cartmel (two stars), Rogan & Co in Cartmel (one star), The Forest Side at Grasmere (one star)

This means seven restaurants are now part of the exclusive club of Lake District eateries approved by the team behind the internationally respected Michelin Great Britain & Ireland Stars for 2020 guide.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “This is absolutely amazing news for the county. These latest announcements by the team at the Michelin Guide continue to demonstrate just how much choice our visitors and residents have when it comes to luxury dining, with Cumbria’s tally of stars almost doubling overnight.

“As such excellence in food and drink continues to rise from strength to strength, it further cements The Lake District, Cumbria’s well-earned reputation as being among the very best destinations for culinary excellence as well as for adventure, culture and relaxation.”

“We know it’s not easy running a restaurant to such continually high standards and the whole team at Cumbria Tourism send heartfelt congratulations to all our local winners who feature in the 2020 edition of the famed Michelin Guide.”

Simon Rogan, chef and owner of L’Enclume and Rogan & Co in Cartmel said: “We have had a brilliant year.

“It is an honour to be recognised by the Michelin Guide, and to have retained all of our stars across the group.

“I would like to thank my teams for their continued hard work and support, without them it would not be possible.”