In a beautifully build countryside escape, covered in scenic hills and woodland views of the Lake District is The Forest Side, a restaurant with rooms that make the perfect getaway. Already a Michelin star hotel it has also been named the Best Country Hotel of the Year in the Good Hotels Guide 2023.
Rich in charming style, The Forest Side is located just minutes from a little village of Grasmere: home of gingerbread and the famous William Wordsworth who lived there for 14 years. This statuesque Victorian mansion is at the foot of the Lake District fells which holds a herd of roe deers, red squirrels and native plant species such as Foxgloves, Wood Sorrel and Common Sorrel.
Forest side holds prosperous history dated back to the 19th century and pays homage to the hotels railway heritage. First built in 1853 as a gentlemen’s residence and hunting ground, is now a popular lake stone property that becomes filled with weekenders who like to kayaks, paddle board and wild swimming.
Guests can explore different walking routes as well as walk through the beautiful grounds of the property which blooms beautifully in the spring and summer seasons. Whilst looking out at the beautiful grounds, a traditionally 4 and 6 course lunch menus can be devoured from £55, £85 and £125 per person, made lovingly by the head chef Paul Leonard. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Everything locally sourced and grown from their very own garden, which holds a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs which are the infused locally made gin, vodkas, whiskeys and rums.
Paul has all the necessities he needs from different types of apples to homegrown saffron, courgettes and tomatoes to make an unforgettable experience. He has experience like no other, working closely with Chefs like Marcus Wareing and Andrew Fairlie who also take extra pride in their food, so he indeed learned from the best. He has long been praised for his incredible creativity and has so much support and positivity from his general manager Alasdair Elwick, who also helps make the entire experience warm and therapeutic.
The rooms have been recently renovated by the renowned designer James Mackie. He has made them more comfortable, open, added more shapes and textures as well as exclusive colours, and added luxurious wallpapers by Zoffany. Care, detail and precision has gone into these rooms which fits the theme all round. Each room has high-ceilings and French windows which will allow more room for sunlight and brilliance.
The accommodation also provides 6 dog friendly rooms.
Once arrived guests are welcome warmly with a glass of wine and some snacks at the bar which in the summer fills up with warmth from the beautiful sunshine and in the winter is welcomed by a brilliance of an intimate fire from the fireplace. What a relaxing setting.
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 end 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.
