LAKE DISTRICT `HENROCK` Another beauty from Simon Rogan.

What is it ? – Simon Rogan’s latest restaurant, Henrock, opened its doors within Linthwaite House in early October 2019. In January 2021 Henrock was awarded the Michelin Plate. The Restaurant aims to showcase natural, seasonal ingredients in a nice relaxed, informal setting.

What`s Cooking ? – The cuisine here at Henrock was inspired by Chef Simon Rogans travels around the World. Working closely with Chef Mark McCabe to create unique menus encompassing both Chef Marks cooking and Simons travel experiences. Choose from a 3 course a la carte menu or go with Chefs choice multiple course Tasting menu.

Who`s Cooking ? – Chef Mark McCabe. Originally from Aberdeen in Scotland Mark came from a musical background. Studying English and Music at university before moving totally sideways into a new cooking career. Hugh fearnley whittingstall employed Mark in the kitchen at River cottage before he moved off into his own venture in Bristol gaining a Michelin Green star in 2022. Mark moved up to the Lake district in 2023 taking on the kitchens of Henrock for Simon Rogan.

What should I expect ? – TheHenrock kitchen sources their ingredients throughout the Cumbria region. The Cartmel farm supplies most of the produce and the remainder sourced as locally as possible.

Must Order dish – I highly recommend a visit when the Lamb 3 ways is on.

What will it cost me ? Set Menu – £75 (3 courses with snacks and pre-dessert included ), Tasting menu (8 courses) – £95. Sunday Lunch – (2 courses with snacks) – £42 , Wine flight £60

My thoughts – Why did it take me so long to get here ? I only live an hour away from Henrock and yet it`s taken me years to dine here. I suppose living in the Lake district we`re spoilt for choice having the most Michelin starred restaurants in the country here in Cumbria. Now my thoughts are `when can I get back again` – I absolutely loved the place.

What`s the Atmosphere like ?. Pretty quiet until the Wine starts to flow. Friendly staff to keep everyone chatting and the perfect location for this looking to be romantic.

What`s good ? I really enjoyed the `Lamb tasting` main course dish. I`m quite surprised they didn`t use the local Herdwick lambs but the Hebridean Lambs are farmed just over the road.

What`s even better ? – When you eat a lot of food and you`re fortunate enough to eat in decent restaurants often I really do find that after eating a tasting menu (and lots of wine) it`s sometimes difficult to remember what we had to eat without looking at the photos on my phone. On this occasion it was the polar opposite with 3 stunning courses in a row. Boom Boom Boom , absolutely cracking dishes from Chef….and very memorable.

Any Negatives Would I return ? – You bet I would, I totally recommend this place, loved it.

Restaurant Address – Linthwaite House Hotel, Crook Ln, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3JA TEL – 015395 87766

Website – henrock.co.uk

TASTING MENU £95

Cornish Lobster , Azur star Kohlrabi , Green Bean Miso

Kimchi Potato Terrine , Kimchi Butter / Emulsion, Shavings of Mrs Kirkhams Cheddar , Lemon drop Chilli

Barbecued Chestnuts , Burnt Cream , Apple and Teriyaki

Ibis Celeriac , Pickled Walnut , Parsley and Chilli. This was a stand out course and yet so simple. A set Celeriac cream as a base topped with the most amazing flavours that worked so well together. Little dots of Pickled walnut puree added a tart contrast to the roasted celeriac cream. I was a little wary of the Scotch bonnet oil but that also was tempered right down to a background flavour. Nothing dominated and every flavour worked so well to complement each other.

Poached Cod , Snowball Cauliflower , Lemongrass infused Morecambe bay Shrimp sauce – WOW , Flavour boooom. The most perfectly cooked piece of Codfish , a velvet Cauliflower cream and a rich and Buttery Morecambe bay shrimp sauce made from the goodness of the shells and heads. One of those dishes that a diner always remembers from a restaurant.

Black Hebridean Hogget , Perilla , Allium , Our farm Kale. Reared just over the road from the restaurant we experienced 3 magnificent cuts (Loin , Neck and Shoulder). So much flavour and all cooked very differently….loved this course so much.