2022 was a bumper year for Lake District favourite The Forest Side, which last autumn was awarded the coveted title of the UK’s Best Country Hotel by the Good Hotels Guide 2023.
Now 2023 looks set to continue in a similar vein as the restaurant with rooms announces the return of its hugely popular Food February.
Even the Boomtown Rats would have no reason to complain as each Monday in the month will find Head Chef Paul Leonard collaborating with some of the UK’s best chefs to deliver a totally unique multicourse dining experience.
Monday 6th February will see the brilliant Kenny Atkinson, chef patron of House of Tides, Newcastle’s only 1 Star Michelin and 4 AA Rosette awarded restaurant, demonstrate his commitment to natural, seasonal and sustainable food.
On Monday 13th it will be two for the price of one as Tom Shepherd and Paul Proffitt step up to the plate. Tom is chef patron of Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Staffordshire’s first, and only, 1 Michelin-starred restaurant, which he received just four months after opening.
Fellow Midlands boy Paul meanwhile will journey to Grasmere from the west coast of Denmark where he heads up the kitchen at the 2 Michelin Star Henne Kirkeby Kro, cooking simple, refined and comforting food.
The Forest Side will welcome James Knappett on the 20th as he makes the trip from London’s West End, where he presides over Kitchen Table. Celebrated for combining a superlative menu of modern European dishes with food theatre, his restaurant was awarded 1 Michelin Star in 2014, and achieved a coveted second star in 2018 – which it has held ever since.
Last but by no means least, Food February will draw to a close in style on Monday 27th courtesy of Glasgow-born Mark Donald. Mark helms the 1 Michelin-starred Glenturret Lalique – the first in-distillery fine dining concept – where his cooking is inspired by the exceptional Scottish produce sourced and foraged locally.
Paul Leonard will be lending a hand on each of the evenings, rustling up a dish or two of his own and generally adding to the merriment.
The Forest Side’s February Food Events are only available as part of an overnight package. Prices start from £529.00 for a six-course menu, snacks, champagne on arrival, bed and breakfast. Wine pairings will be available at an additional cost.
The Forest Side restaurant has only 30 covers so early reservations are strongly advised. To book, visit www.theforestside.com
