The Ryebeck , Windermere.

What is it ? – A traditional English country house hotel / Restaurant.
Where is it ? – Just outside Bowness on Windermere , a very busy tourist town right in the heart of the Lake district.
Who`s Cooking ? – Nick Edgar spent 15 years working for Raymond Blanc at 2 Michelin starred Le Manoir in Oxfordshire ending up as head chef. Nick then moved up to Cumbria to lead the team at The Samling hotel gaining a Michelin star within months of his arrival.
What should I expect ? – Toned down food and a move away from the intricate fine dining of his previous posts. Nick aims to offer beautiful food using locally sourced ingredients but without the finesse and effort of having to work 20 hours a day to win that Michelin star. If the star comes then it`ll come naturally.
Must order dish – Clotted Cream Pannacotta with English Strawberries , Scones and Basil sorbet , Nicks slant on the English classic `Scones with Jam and Cream`. If you smile and they`re in a good mood then they might even pour Champagne over yours.
What will it cost me ? – There`s a cheap lunch available (2 courses £15.50 / 3 courses £19) and the rest of the food is A.L.C. and priced individually. Starters average at £10 , Mains £23 and desserts £8. The kitchen will do a Tasting menu currently priced at £55 but this has to be arranged in advance.
My thoughts – Make the most of the £55 Tasting menu while you can.
What`s good ? – Chef spent most of his working years as part of an amazing team at Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons. We couldn`t have asked for more at the Ryebeck , everything he prepares is decent.
Any Negatives ? – The food is really good but the décor has seen better days. Chipped paint and cracked windows need attention but I was there for the food and that was awesome so the rest didn`t matter on the day.
Check out – Bowness on Windermere town centre which is probably about a 5 minute Taxi ride away. Really busy , buzzy atmosphere throughout the summer months. Great cocktail bars and restaurants , a lovely place to be.
Would I return ? – Yes Yes Yes , Nicks food is superb and I’ll definitely be back for another Tasting menu.
Restaurant Address – Lyth Valley Road, Bowness-on-Windermere , Cumbria , LA23 3JP Phone: 015394 88195

Scallop , Elderflower , Cucumber and Gooseberry.

Arlington White (Egg) , Wye valley Asparagus , Chervil and Pine nuts.

Foie Gras , Black Cherry , Sorrel and Almond. – Chef started off with a little teaser (knowing that my number one all time favourite is Foie Gras) He sent out this Chicken liver dish with Black Cherry sorbet and waited to see my reaction. It was gorgeous anyways but I sussed out that is certainly wasn`t Foie Gras parfait straight away….The real one followed on the next course,