A CULINARY treasure in Cumbria has just been named one of the UK's best restaurants. 

Ranking 65th on the National Restaurant Awards 2024's list of 100 best UK eateries, The Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall achieved the prestigious seat following its first Michelin Star award in February.

“We’re delighted to be listed amongst friends and peers on such a prestigious list," a spokesperson said. 

"We’re committed to doing our best to raise the profile of our patch of beautiful North Cumbria and when we’re recognised in this way, it means the world." 

As described in the award listing, head chef Desai is a former Roux Scholar with an esteemed culinary background, boasting a high-profile cooking turn with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in California.

His classical French training paired with Indian spice creates a unique blend in the Cumbrian dining sector.

"It’s a highly inventive approach. Each dish on Cedar Tree’s extensive tasting menu showcases British produce, including a wide variety of vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden.

"The cooking is delicate but not to the detriment of flavour, with every course carefully crafted to tingle the senses," it reads. 

The Cedar Tree is not the only Cumbrian eatery on the list.

Also keeping Cumbria on the culinary map, L'Enclume in Cartmel held the 20th spot while Heft at High Newtown took 57th and Forest Side in Grasmere clinched the 75th.

Why not read our Cumberland News interview with Hrishikesh Desai here?