Old Stamp House in Ambleside named as the best restaurant in England

The Old Stamp House in Ambleside won the award for the AA's 'Restaurant of the Year for England 2023'.

The highly regarded accolade recognises the work of the two brothers behind the establishment, chef patron Ryan Blackburn and co-owner and front of house manager Craig Blackburn, in putting their restaurant on the UK’s culinary map.

Read more: Lake District hotel named as best of the year in England

The former said: "There’s no doubt at all that this award speaks volumes about the dedication and unwavering commitment of every single member of the Old Stamp House team in making sure every guest has the best possible experience and we’re hugely proud to be recognised in this way.

"We’ve come a long way since we opened our doors in 2014, striving to deliver quality and consistency across the board as we set out to create dishes that are inspired and reflect our deep-seated connection to the landscape in which the restaurant sits.‘’

Part owner and chef Ryan Blackburn next to the award the team won (Image: Jenny Jones Photography; Will Bolsolver)The restaurant is based in the former office of renowned poet William Wordsworth.

Each year the AA Hospitality Awards celebrate excellence in the hospitality industry, with the 15 award categories honouring hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK.

“Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK," Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, commented.

"We introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and are honoured to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.”

The restaurant has grown to be an acclaimed fine-dining experience (Image: Phil Rigby Photography)

The Old Stamp House boasts a number of culinary accolades, including three AA rosettes for culinary excellence, which were presented in October 2020, in recognition of the restaurant’s celebration of the distinctive food and cultural heritage of Cumbria.

Diners are invited by the menu priced at £95 to embark on 'A journey around Cumbria' to experience dishes from aspects of the landscape and the coast.