When you think of Cumbria, you think of the Lake District. When you think of Carlisle, you think of that place you always pass, but never visit, on the way to and from Scotland. Farlam Hall Hotel and Restaurant however, is providing a reason for everyone to slow down and explore.
This year, its resident restaurant Cedar Tree received a Michelin star, a mere 18 months after Hrishikesh Desai took the helm as Chef Patron.
His innovative style of classic British cuisine with surprising twists has helped put this already beautiful hotel firmly on the map, being named the best foodie hotel in the UK.
With delicious food, stunning gardens and history on its doorstep, Farlam Hall is not to be missed.
Farlam Hall dates back to 1428 and has been in the Thompson family for its entire existence. Guests can stay in the main hall, or indulge in one of the converted stable suites, where family and friends can gather and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of having their own space within the beautiful grounds.
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The bedrooms in the main hall are warm and comforting, with some modern twists like a TV in front of the bath (not all rooms have this, but mine did and it was honestly a highlight of the trip).
Bedrooms at Farlam Hall. Credit: The Manc Group
As you may have guessed by now, Farlam Hall is home to the multi-award winning restaurant Cedar Tree, but it is also home to Bistro Enkel, their more relaxed and accessible restaurant for guests to enjoy from Sunday to Tuesday. The menu has many classic bistro-style dishes for guests to indulge in, but I’ll tell you more about that later.
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The welcome to Farlam Hall is second to none. You’re greeted like one of the family who has been away for a while and now you’re returning home.
We went to see what Farlam Hall is all about and why you should add it to your bucket list to visit.
Farlam Hall and Gardens
The grounds at Farlam Hall. Credit: The Manc Group
Coming up the drive to Farlam Hall is like entering a story book, everything is so neat and picturesque, like it has been illustrated into existence.
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The iconic cedar tree, which is seen in the Farlam Hall logo and from which the Michelin starred restaurant gets its name, stands proudly in the garden to greet you. There is so much to explore, with the hall set in six acres of manicured grounds, with a half acre kitchen garden, and guests encouraged to get out and wander around. The stress of the outside world seems to just melt away instantly.
To the rear of the hall and behind the stable suites, lies the kitchen garden. The space has been lovingly cared for and curated by the fantastic gardener Penny. Her passion and knowledge for her craft shines out of her like a warm sunbeam, you can’t help but want to bask in her, taking in all she has to say.
We got to pick ingredients from the garden to make some of their signature cocktails, whilst learning about the different produce and flowers growing in the garden and their purpose.
Hrishikesh and Penny are working towards becoming almost completely sustainable from the garden, with all fruit and vegetable waste being returned to the garden and as much fruit and vegetable produce coming from their own doorstep, whilst encouraging a whole host of wildlife to call their garden home.
Farlam Hall’s kitchen garden, featuring Penny the gardener. Credit: The Manc Group
There’s a large number of rooms to choose from at Farlam Hall, catering to all needs and budgets, everyone is welcome. We explored the homely stable suites, which have been impressively styled to be an elegant twist of modern and traditional. The private spaces are the perfect getaway for a family or group that want to enjoy their own space away from the main hotel.
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I was lucky enough to have a junior suite during my visit and it was divine. The bed was enormous and out of this world comfy. I had a pleasant seating area to enjoy a cup of tea and watch the Olympics (no no, not just the French pole vaulter on repeat, I swear) and a view of the surrounding gardens.
The bathroom was big enough for a whole olympic gymnastic routine and the bath… it had a TV in the wall in front of it! This innovation absolutely blew my mind, there was no awkward balancing of phones or laptops for me tonight, I’d be bathing in luxury.
I nipped back up to my room during dinner too, and someone had been in to close all of my blinds and curtains, turn down my bed and lay out my robe and slippers for me too. This VIP treatment for guests really sets Farlam Hall apart.
Bistro Enkel
Mozzarella and tomato starterInside the restaurant spaces at Farlam HallThe chocolate delice – it did not last longCredit: The Manc Group
Farlam Hall has two on-site restaurants, with Cedar Tree serving guests Wednesday to Saturday, and Bistro Enkel is available Sunday to Tuesday. Enkel (the old Nordic word for “simple”) has a more accessible menu for guests in an a la carte style rather than a tasting menu.
There are many bistro classics like the prawn ‘Marie Rose’, smoked ham hock and chicken terrine and featherblade steak, but still have Hrishikesh’s signature twists and creativity to keep it interesting.
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I opted for the mozzarella and tomato starter, with the tomatoes having travelled a mere 10 metres from garden to kitchen. Their freshness was sublime and the dish was light on the palate.
I was fortunate enough that a member of our party didn’t want dessert, which meant I could indulge in the cheese plate AND the chocolate delice. The cheeses were all British farmhouse cheeses, carefully curated so one never overpowered the other. The chocolate delice however was a gut punch of chocolate deliciousness with a smooth texture that envelopes the tongue like a wave of cocoa nectar. It did not last long.
The surrounding area
Talkin Tarn Country Park is a short drive from Farlam Hall. Credit: The Manc Group
After a quick indulgent breakfast (I treated myself to the rarebit on toast with poached eggs and highly recommend you do the same), we went for a walk around the lake at Talkin Tarn Country Park. This beautiful mix of woodland and farmland is just a short 10 minute drive from Farlam Hall and the perfect spot for a gentle stroll to soak up the surroundings and work off some of the food we had been consuming endlessly (and with glee) since we arrived.
Karen Baybutt, who joined Farlam Hall with Hrishikesh after they both left the Gilpin, joined us for a natter and a potter around the lake, chatting all things Farlam. It was obvious that Karen lives and breathes Farlam and it was so pleasant to hear of all the different ways she is getting involved in her new community and sharing what Farlam Hall has to offer.
Our walk was led by the magnificent Min. She spoke with such knowledge and fervour about her surroundings and the local area that I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face. Being in the company of such passionate people whilst visiting Farlam was quite invigorating for the soul. Min has plenty of suggestions for places to explore while you’re visiting the area, with plenty of walks to enjoy and the historic Hadrian’s wall is a mere 15 minute drive from the hotel.
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The Cedar Tree
Long-horn beef Wellington. Credit: The Manc GroupThe Farlam Hall Garden Tomato. Credit: The Manc GroupParts of the playful menu at Farlam Hall. Credit: The Manc Group
The piece de resistance of Farlam Hall is of course the Michelin starred Cedar Tree restaurant. Found in the same room as Bistro Enkel but with a slightly different layout and table setting, you can feel the step up in luxury.
The kitchen is of course headed up by Hrishikesh Desai, the Chef de Patron, and his menu is playful with signature twists that he has become to be known for. There is certainly no stuffy feeling about what we are about to enjoy.
We start the afternoon in the bar, a comfortable and relaxed space to unwind with a glass of fizz and enjoy our first two courses (of eleven if you include the petit fours).
We are served a warming cone of garbanzo bean chaat to begin, transporting us to the streets of India before jetting off to where I assumed was the Mediterranean but my senses are unsure. We are served Hrishikesh’s ‘olives our way’, which at first glance appears to be a tasty looking olive in a delicate pool of hay-coloured olive oil. However what I had seen and what I was tasting were entirely different. I don’t want to spoil it for you by over describing the dish, but I was both confused by and pleased with what I was eating.
The chilli butter that made me want to move in
We then moved into the dining room, where the staff were calm, personable and relaxed. Hrishikesh himself came and explained each dish to us, his knowledge and love for his craft and ingredients added some extra seasoning to the food which made everything taste just that little bit better.
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There were stand out dishes, like the Gazpacho made from herbs from the garden; the ‘Farlam Hall Garden Tomato’ stuffed to the brim with, you guessed it, tomatoes from the garden, all impressively presented like an actual tomato on a bed of spiced tomato jelly that turned into a consume as you eat it; the long-horn beef wellington with a tandoori spiced fillet of beef that had been cooked on charcoal before being delicately wrapped in pastry (this was enough to make this vegetarian of 25 years jealous); and the chilli butter. THE CHILLI BUTTER. There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe the magnificence of this chilli butter. Poets will write about. The butter even looks like a chilli, encased in chilli from Hrishikesh’s home in India. Honestly, I’d have moved in just for the butter.
Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant is an absolute gem of the north filled with passionate, lovely people and fantastic food. You can find out more and book your stay here.
10 places you can fly to from Manchester for last-minute winter sun, from just £30 return
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Airport has done the hard work of planning your escape a little easier again, sharing a list of 10 places you can fly to for a bit of last-minute winter sun.
The airport has selected destinations that involve plenty of vitamin D, beaches, and warm seas, even at this time of year.
And the best bit is that return flights start from just £30 per person.
The list of 10 winter sun escapes from Manchester covers everything from classic holiday destinations like the Canary islands, as well as more far-flung adventures.
There’s even a brand-new route to Thailand on the cards.
So here are 10 last-minute winter sun escapes from Manchester Airport to help you beat those January blues.
Tenerife
You can fly to Tenerife from just £30 from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Fausto Garcia Menendez
It’s one of Britain’s favourite holiday destinations, thanks to its reliable sunshine year-round and family-friendly attractions like the gigantic Siam Park water park.
In January and February, temperatures sit around the low- to mid-twenties, which feels practically roasting compared to the UK, and there’s not a lot of rain to worry about either.
Younger travellers might want to head to Playa de las Americas for the nightlife, but there’s bags of things to do for families and for those looking for a quieter winter holiday too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £30pp*.
Fuerteventura
All the climate wins of Tenerife, but generally a little quieter, Fuerteventura is another great place to jet off to for some winter sun.
The entire island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so if you love nature and outdoors adventures, you’ll love it here.
It’s a paradise for marine and desert habitats – and outstanding beaches to unwind on once you’re done exploring too.
Fly with Ryanair from only £32pp*.
Paphos
Paphos offers a winter sun escape from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Datingjungle
Cyprus has a very Brit-friendly climate in the off-season, with temperatures in the high teens but with plenty of sunshine.
It’s much quieter (and cheaper) now than it is in the heat of the summer months, but the slightly cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore the island’s great outdoors and historic sites.
Visit the ruins of Ancient Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, then refuel on souvlaki and seafood.
Fly with Ryanair from only £38pp*.
Agadir
This has become a hotspot for tourists visiting Morocco, thanks to its pleasant year-round climate, wide beach, and seafront strips of restaurants and cafes.
In January, temperatures reach about 22 degrees, but it gets a little warmer than that as we head into February and March – you might just manage a day on the beach.
There’s also the Museum of Arts, which explores the surrounding region’s Berber heritage, and a visit to the Souk El Had market will let you practice your haggling skills.
Fly with Ryanair from only £49pp*.
Sal
Cape Verde is another firm favourite for winter sun from Manchester, with a similar climate to the Canary Islands (it’s just a little south of them).
Sal is an island that’s part of the African nation, but almost has a Caribbean vibe.
Expect colonial architecture, waterfront barbecues, and palm tree-lined beaches.
Fly with easyJet from only £134pp*.
Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Credit: Unsplash, Karine Avetisyan
Sharm el Sheikh is the most famous and popular resort of Egypt’s bustling Red Sea coastline, and January is a great month to visit.
There’s comfortable temperatures around the low- to mid-twenties, blazing winter sun, and clear skies (though it does get chilly in the evening, it’s nothing like the Manchester weather).
This place is paradise for scuba diving and snorkelling too, with incredible diverse reefs just off the shore.
Fly with easyJet from only £237pp*.
Montego Bay
Montego Bay in Jamaica. Credit: Unsplash, ROMAIN TERPREAU
Now we’re getting serious about our winter sun suggestions, and getting a long way from Manchester.
Montego Bay is Jamaica’s most-loved beach resort, with year-round temperatures of around 30 degrees and a gorgeous Caribbean atmosphere.
It’s the dry season right now, which means you can make the most of those white sands, turquoise waters, and mouthwatering food.
Fly with TUI from only £363pp*.
Cancun
Previously tarnished as being a Spring Break destination for American students seeking a wild party, Cancun has developed a more family-orientated reputation in recent years.
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There are more than 60 miles of golden sands in the surrounding Riviera Maya, plus water parks, historic sites like Chichen Itza, and amazing natural landscapes.
As for the weather – temperatures in January and February are similar to what you’d find in the Mediterranean in the height of summer. Toasty.
Fly with TUI from only £433pp*.
Bangkok
You can fly direct to Bangkok from Manchester and access Southern Thailand for witner sun. Credit: Unsplash, Sumit Chinchane
This is a brand-new direct route for Manchester Airport, with flights whizzing passengers straight to Bangkok for some winter sun.
We’re now linked to the world’s most-visited city, which is a vibrant and busy hub with great food and cultural wonders.
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But it also acts as a gateway to the islands and beaches of Southern Thailand, including Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Koh Samui.
Fly with Norse from only £598pp*.
Dubai
Dubai offers winter sun from Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, Christopher Moreno Stokoe
It’s a lot of people’s dream destination (and a lot of people’s worst nightmare), but you can’t deny the weather in Dubai is pretty tempting at this time of year.
The impressive high-rise city also has some amazing white-sand beaches, and temperatures in the mid-twenties in January and February.
You can also escape into the nearby desert for a day in a 4×4 safari.
Whitemoor Trail – a little wander off the beaten track in one of Cheshire’s best walking spots
Danny Jones
We’re trying to do more walking and outdoorsy stuff in 2026, and whether it’s here in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, or somewhere else nearby in the North West, we intend to lap up as much natural splendour as we can.
It goes without saying that we’re unbelievably lucky to have both the Peak and the Lake District not too far from us, but we’ll admit that sometimes we want something close by, super easy and family-friendly.
Now, that’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of that in both the Peaks and the Lakes, but when our mates asked us to come along on a slightly hungover but frosty and super picturesque morning, a key condition we expressed was that it needed to be very low difficulty.
All that being said, we’d argue you might not get a better balance of accessible and enjoyable than the Whitemoor Trail up in Delamere Forest.
Credit: The Manc Group
For starters, that level of ease begins with how you get there; put simply, not only is it less than an hour’s drive away in the car, but it’s just over a 40-minute train ride to Delamere Station, which drops you not too far from the Forest itself – especially if you’re already gearing up for a day of walking.
You can even get the bus there, if you so wish.
Ran by Forestry England, it’s a fairly popular local attraction, as you’ll see upon arrival at the car park, but the art is in figuring out which route you want to take through the stunning hills, nature reserve and expansive treeline.
Trust us, it’s in finding these lesser-tread trails and preferred paths that you end up finding some of the most beautiful vistas, glimpses of the native wildlife, and the most serene, sometimes impossibly quiet spots at times.
Of course, there are still plenty of people about on the site, in particular on the weekends, but it doesn’t take long to find your own slice of solace and let the outside world slowly fall away and disappear into the periphery. Go and seek your own quiet moment – you won’t regret it.
Soon, all you’ll see is the incredible landscape around you, the forest continuing to unfold in front of you
It goes without saying that wandering through the woods is obviously some of the cleanest oxygen you might ever suck into your lungs, but it felt like the biggest breath of fresh air for our brains, too.
We can all be guilty of spending far too long sat it front of screens, staying inside – especially when it’s cold and wet out (as it often is in this region) – but we were definitely very pleased with ourselves for getting out of bed to soak in this simple morning splendour.
Of course, it doesn’t matter how early you get there, so long as you do, as the various parts of Delamere Forest each have their own special little bit of magic.
For instance, for those looking to keep the little ones engaged, there’s an official Gruffalo Trail: a beginner’s level walk with minimal elevation but plenty of hand-carved statues of the classic children’s characters.
Credit: The Manc
You’ll pass everything from almost perfectly still lakes and ponds, connecting up with Black Lake and Blakemere, as well as all types of trunks and foliage stretching far into the main Delamere Circular and well beyond that.
Whether you want to walk it, trail run, cycle, or even go off-road and sample the different kinds of terrain, this place offers great versatility, so while it’s a perfect entry-level ramble, you can spice things up if you want to make it more of a challenge.
Finally, once you’ve checked off everything you want to see, you can take a well-earned rest at the Forest cafe and stop to get a pretty picture of any and all precious pups who’ve definitely earned a nap on the way home.
As for you lot, reward yourselves however you see fit, but please make sure to try out Whitemoor Trail and Delamere Forest: the experience won’t let you down, no matter the season.
And if you fancy getting out in the hills with even more of a spring in your step, why not try dipping your toes into trail running this year?
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
15th August 2024 
