Chef Simon Rogan’s critically acclaimed L’Enclume has been named ‘most exciting’ restaurant at The Good Food Guide awards. The Lake District restaurant secured the top spot, having first appeared in the 2004 edition.
Birmingham was also crowned the ‘most exciting food destination’, whilst three venues were awarded the ‘world class’ accolade, including Lancashire’s Moor Hall in Aughton. The list was selected by The Good Food Guide’s independent, impartial inspectors and the winners were announced at a ceremony at The Groucho Club in London.
Elizabeth Carter said of the restaurant: ‘L’Enclume has matured but has not aged. They are all about experience and commitment, with a young team bringing in fresh ideas, rather than Simon imposing his vision.
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“Forced to be flexible because of their farm, they are nimble and open minded, and have retained a light atmosphere and unique, chatty service style. They are such an example to their industry peers."
Ynyshir, Moor Hall, The Raby Hunt and The Sportsman made up the rest of the top five entries, whilst L’Enclume, Moor Hall, and Ynyshir in Ceredigion were awarded the prestigious ‘World Class’ title. The coveted award was bestowed on the three establishments for their “extraordinary chef-proprietors” who are redefining the profession, and “pushing the boundaries of what eating in a restaurant is all about”.
Earlier this year, L’Enclume was awarded its third Michelin star, while Moor Hall’s sister restaurant The Barn at Moor Hall picked up its first. The announcement marked a great day for northern restaurants, with L'Enclume the only restaurant in the UK to be promoted to the coveted three stars this year.
In what has been a vintage year for the restaurant, chef-patron Simon Rogan was also named Chef of the Year at the annual Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards. The restaurant earned its first star in 2005 and its second in 2013 - and is currently celebrating its 20th year in business. Rogan also relaunched The French restaurant at the Midland Hotel in Manchester in 2013, before handing it over to Adam Reid in 2016.
The full Top 20 list of best restaurants:
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L’Enclume, Cumbria
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Ynyshir, Ceredigion
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Moor Hall, Lancashire
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The Raby Hunt, Co Durham
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The Sportsman, Kent
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Outlaw’s New Road, Cornwall
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Osip, Somerset
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Pollen Street Social, London
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Inver, Argyll & Bute
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Wilderness, Birmingham
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Restaurant Story, London
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SY23, Ceredigion
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Pine, Northumberland
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Annwn, Pembrokeshire
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Condita, Edinburgh
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Grace & Savour, West Midlands
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Da Terra, London
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Carters of Moseley, Birmingham
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Kol, London
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Endo at The Rotunda, London
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