Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Sparkling Wine Blend
English Mushrooms In Our Miso Butter, Soft Yolk
Seaweed Custard, Beef Broth And Bone Marrow
Zaino Courgette, Fennel Pollen, Pumpkin Seeds, Our Miso, Florence Fennel Vinegar
About
L'Enclume
Located in the picturesque village of Cartmel, L'Enclume is not merely a restaurant; it's a culinary pilgrimage that every food enthusiast should embark upon. Nestled in Grange-over-Sands, this Michelin three-star acclaimed establishment redefines modern British cuisine with a commitment to farm-to-table freshness and innovative presentation.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere strikes a delightful balance between sophistication and informality. Guests are greeted with attentive service, ensuring that every aspect of the dining experience flows seamlessly. The kitchen’s commitment to sourcing local ingredients translates into extraordinary dishes that are as vibrant as they are flavorful.
Reviewers like Matthew Apostolou praise the “intelligent, technically audacious cooking” that characterizes every plate at L'Enclume. His reflection on the ingredients underscores a philosophy deeply rooted in purity and vibrancy—where flavors are not just prepared but presented with artistry. The signature dishes, such as the Cherry Belle Radish, Pickled Rose, and Chalk Stream Trout Tart or the delightful Fritter of Duroc Pig and Smoked Eel, showcase this ethos, transforming simple elements into a high-level dining experience.
The wine selection complements the meal exquisitely, featuring a range of thoughtfully chosen pairings that enhance rather than overwhelm. Sarah Patrick's experience with the various wine flights, spanning 14 selections, highlights how L'Enclume immerses diners in a holistic gastronomic adventure. It’s a sensory overload that enchants the palate while maintaining a playful ambiance.
However, the experience extends beyond just the food and wine. Every guest is encouraged to immerse themselves in Cartmel's offerings, including the cozy accommodations and delightful breakfast options available at their sister venue. This creates a complete culinary circle, as noted by Apostolou, making the journey to L'Enclume not merely about dining but about savoring the essence of the Lake District.
While securing a dinner reservation may pose a challenge, many diners recommend opting for lunch—an ideal setting to digest the expertly crafted, multi-course offerings. The only notable downside is the lack of dedicated parking, leaving patrons to navigate street parking or nearby facilities. Yet, these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the unparalleled experience awaiting those willing to make the trek.
All in all, L'Enclume is not just a meal; it's a defining statement of what modern British cuisine should aspire to be. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, L'Enclume invites you to take part in a culinary adventure that promises to be not just worth the hype, but to exceed it.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ A pilgrimage to Cartmel has become something of a rite of passage, and L'Enclume is the reason why. It thoroughly exceeds the hype. The much-lauded connection between kitchen and farm isn't a narrative; it's the foundation of every plate. There's a vitality to the ingredients here, a purity of flavour that feels less 'prepared' and more 'presented'. This is intelligent, technically audacious cooking that never loses sight of pleasure. The wine pairings are equally thoughtful, chosen to elevate rather than dominate. Immersing yourself in Cartmel for the full experience, from the rooms to breakfast at their sister spot, is the correct way to do it. It completes the circle. In a world of outstanding three-star restaurants, L'Enclume operates on a plane of its own. Not just a meal, but a defining statement on modern British cuisine. ”
“ There's not much I can say about L'Enclume that hasn't been said before. It's a bucket-list experience that blows other Michelin starred restaurants away. The informal atmosphere makes it more fun than the hushed atmosphere you usually get; the service is choreographed with lots of signals between staff that ensure everything flows perfectly. The food itself is a sensory overload; we had the cheaper and also mid-range wine flights so we tasted 14 wines between the two of us. The most expensive meal of our lives, 100% worth it. ”
“ 100% Lived up to the hype. We've been disappointed by 3 star restaurants in the past, but can honestly say that this is absolutely worth the journey and price; best meal we've ever had. Super creative and delicious and everything was executed perfectly. Went for the signature wines as well which were great. ”
“ Everything was great! You can see why they have 3 Michelin stars. The food is top-notch and the staff are attentive and friendly. Despite the recognition, the restaurant is not stuffy and they do their best to make you feel welcome. They also catered to dietary restrictions well. A bit difficult to find a dinner reservation but lunch is easier (and we also preferred it that way, so you can properly digest the long meal!). The one downside though is that the restaurant does not have its own parking and doesn’t arrange for parking for customers. No choice but to pay for street parking or parking at the Cartmel Racecourse. ”
“ Sublime taste of every dish. Creative presentation. Small portions but sufficient food altogether. The wine pairing flight was also very good ”
“ What can you say about L’Enclume other than it’s just perfection. From the staff to the food the service, presentation and quality is out of this world. My wife and I visited this weekend for our 1st wedding anniversary. Massive thank you to Hannah, Tom and Jordan for looking after us. Food was exceptional and the recommended wine flight was a delight. ”
“ Without a doubt the best meal we’ve ever had. The attention to detail is phenomenal, the wine pairings are bold and brave and the atmosphere is beautiful. We celebrated my wife’s 30th birthday last night who is also pregnant. The team catered the menu perfectly to her needs making sure every dish was as close to the normal menu as possible so she felt fully involved. The staff are funny, friendly and personable, even though the serve many people each day. What’s beautiful about this restaurant, is that it focuses on food. No fancy gimmicks like at other starred restaurants, just excellent food and excellent wine/soft drink pairings. It truly is an exceptional experience and we hope to one day be back. ”
“ Worth the 3*. Great atmosphere - pretty informal for a 3*. Love the original anvil (enclume in French). Friendly staff - and special shout out to our sommelier Dora! 15 dishes to go through: a wonderful culinary journey. It was a wonderful experience. Only suggestion for improvement: given the price of a meal, parking should be included (the only option nearby is the cartmel race course, which charged us 8 for 4h...) ”