Sugarvine

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The George and Dragon at Clifton, near Penrith, is described by the proprietor as ‘where history and enterprise combine serving seasonal, organic produce from the Lowther Estate’. The reincarnation of this pub is the brainchild of the Countess of Lonsdale’s son, Charles Lowther, whose family own Lowther Castle, the estate and 70 surrounding farms. He is a young man from a family with hundreds of years of history and this is reflected in the George and Dragon, which balances tradition and modernity both in the menu and in the ambience. The venue is light and airy with rustic furnishings, modern colours and evidence of the Lowther Family’s storied history adorning the walls. There is a restaurant on one side, a pub/bar on the other and 10 newly renovated bedrooms upstairs. One of the most appealing things about the George and Dragon – especially if you care about the environment and where your food comes from – is that all the food on offer comes from the farms surrounding the estate, including shorthorn beef, roe deer and organic chicken and lamb. They even forage for mushrooms and berries on land nearby. The kitchen brigade has a substantial pedigree and the a la carte menu changes monthly. Typical dishes might include Organic chicken and chestnut linguini and Nord Vue sausage with parsnip mash, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. The George and Dragon is featured in a number of 2010 guide books such as The Good Food Guide, Sawday’s Pubs and Inns and Michelin’s Eating out in Pubs Guide and has been awarded a four star rating by Visit Britain. Awards | Good Food Guide 2

Philosophy | Pub & Restaurant | Rooms

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Set in 20 private acres of country garden, moor and woodland, Gilpin Lodge sits high above Bowness on the road to Crook, almost opposite Windermere Golf Club. The Cunliffe family first arrived at this Lakeland country house in 1917 and in 1987 turned it into a hotel, now run by two generations of the family. The three-AA-rosetted restaurant is run by Head Chef Russell Plowman and emphasises fresh seasonal produce sourced from within the National Park where possible. Lunch and dinner are served in four dining rooms, each with its own character and style; guests are invited to browse the walk-in wine cellars, and tables are reserved for the entire meal time – there is no rush. The hotel interiors are stylish, comfortable and warm, with a touch of home; the sumptuous bedrooms are individually designed and furnished – some with private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs.Awards | 3 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 6

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Hipping Hall near Kirkby Lonsdale is one of the northwest's select group of fine dining 'restaurants with rooms' . The building has been sensitively restored, matching contemporary style with classic features, and while most of the structure dates back to the 17th century, the restaurant itself, which has a wonderful walk-in fireplace, is Tudor. The food is classic British with a French twist brought to you by new chef Michael Wilson. Choose from the a la carte or a tasting menu. Hipping Hall has nine bedrooms, three of them in a separate cottage annexe, and all are individually furnished to a high standard. Awards | 2 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 5

Restaurant | Rooms

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Located in the heart of Windermere, Jerichos at the Waverley is a multi-award-winning restaurant with rooms run by chef-patron Chris Blaydes and wife Jo. Chris was formerly head chef at the legendary Miller Howe under John Tovey and Chris's two-AA-rosette cooking uses the freshest seasonal produce to deliver a small but perfectly formed menu. The restaurant seats just 36 with a choice of four starters and four mains, complemented by a 60-bin wine list. Jerichos has an upmarket feel with the magnificent Victorian building sympathetically updated to create a contemporary feel with a buzzy atmosphere. Bookings for private parties can be taken.Awards | 2 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 5

Dining | Rooms

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This idyllic Ullswater retreat for many sets the standard in luxurious Lakeland living. It was here, in this remote northeast corner of the Lakes, that Francis Coulson and Brian Sack together invented the concept of the English Country House hotel more than fifty years ago. And really not a great deal has changed in the intervening years. Sharrow Bay, with its 12 acres of private grounds, sublime views, sumptuous furnishings and impeccable service, remains an isolated haven, far from the madding crowds of the South Lakes. The restaurant recently retained its Michelin star for the 11th successive year and boasts one of the best wine lists in the country. Awards | 1 Michelin Star | 2 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 6

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After a £1 million refurbishment The Highwayman at Burrow, near Kirkby Lonsdale reopened for business in 2007. It's part of Ribble Valley Inns, owned by Nigel Haworth and Craig Bancroft of Michelin-starred Northcote and The Highwayman joins sister pubs The Three Fishes at Mitton, The Clog & Billycock at Pleasington, near Blackburn and the latest venture The Bull at Broughton, near Skipton. Expect the same emphasis on freshness, quality and regionality with an impressive list of local farmers, suppliers and producers already lined up. What will it be -- Ascrofts Deep Fried Cauliflower Fritters, Lowther Park Free Range Chicken Liver Pate, Cumbrian Fell Bread Chump of Lamb or Fleetwood Scampi? Bookings are accepted for any number during the week and for six or more at weekends. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the foodie, the Obsession Cook Book features more than 100 recipes from the 50 chefs that have cooked at Northcote’s Obsession Food & Drink Festival over the last 10 years. Click here to order.Awards | Good Food Guide 3

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The Samling enjoys a fantastic location perched above the shores of Lake Windermere. It’s set in its own 67-acre estate and the house, now a luxury hotel, dates back to 1780 and was once the home of William Wordworth’s landlord. It’s a magical place to stay with rooms in both the main building and the original estate cottages, most with lake views. The Samling is open to non-residents for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and the Michelin-starred restaurant serves a Modern British menu anchored upon local seasonal produce. Signature dishes include starters such as Slow-cooked belly of Gloucester Old Spot, langoustines and celeriac puree and mains like the Fillet of John Dory, kipper tortellini and caper berries. Choose from the dinner menu or the gourmand menu and match the classic cooking with an excellent 180-bin wine list. Awards | 1 Michelin Star | 3 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 4

Fine Dining | Business | Weddings | Accommodation