The best restaurant in the UK has just been named as L’Enclume, the much-loved Lake District restaurant owned by Simon Rogan.
And the north west has shone across the board in the Harden’s Top 100 Best UK Restaurants, with eight other local spots making the prestigious list.
There were two entries for Greater Manchester, three for Lancashire, and three in Cumbria.
Both Mana in Ancoats and Where The Light Gets In in Stockport were awarded positions in the top 100, with the latter storming into the top 50.
It comes off the back of Where The Light Gets In being awarded a fourth AA rosette just a few months ago, to go on its mantelpiece with its Michelin Green Star.
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But the top spot this year in the Harden’s guide has gone to L’Enclume, a restaurant that has always featured on the list but never before made it to number one.
Diners hailed the 17-course set menu at L’Enclume as ‘a completely faultless experience’.
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Chef owner Simon Rogan says: “My team and myself are honoured that L’Enclume has been rated the number 1 restaurant in the UK by diners on behalf of Harden’s.
Simon Rogan of L’Enclume restaurant, just named the best in the UK. Credit: Supplied
“To have been featured in Harden’s Top 100 every year since its inception in 2011 is an amazing achievement and being awarded the top spot for the 2024 edition is a testament to the amazing year we’ve had.”
Peter Harden, co-founder of Harden’s, added: “L’Enclume has always been consistent in its top quality offering and it was wonderful to hear the recent news that Paul Burgalières, who has been a key figure in L’Enclume’s evolution over the past six years, has now been appointed Executive Chef.
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“Coming in at £300+ it’s certainly one of the higher priced restaurants in our listings, but we see none of the resistance from diners with regards to paying those prices that we’ve seen at other top establishments. Those who’ve made the pilgrimage think it’s money very well spent.”
Paul Burgalières added: “I am very proud of everything we have achieved at L’Enclume over the past couple of years. To take the position of Executive Chef has been a great honour, and I am excited that our work at the restaurant has achieved such a high level of recognition.”
The number of London restaurants on the list has fallen to an all-time low as the spotlight moves further north, with the North West now one of the best-performing regions outside the capital.
Where The Light Gets In in Stockport. Credit: Instagram, @arestaurantwherethelightgetsin
Mana was praised for its ‘outstanding all-round’ form while Where The Light Gets In was celebrated for its ‘major emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing’ with ‘delicious wine pairings’ all served by ‘lovely staff’.
Mark Birchall’s Moor Hall, just up the road in Aughton, also shot into the top 10 and placed at number six.
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Northcote, also in Lancashire, ranked 70th in the top 100 and the White Swan at Fence was labelled ‘restaurant of the year’.
Peter Harden, co-founder of Harden’s, comments: “This year it has been interesting to note that London’s grip on the Top 100 list is the weakest that we have ever recorded (the lowest previous figure was 41 in the 2020 guide). Whilst 12 months is too little data for firm pronouncements, this swing to the shires may reflect the increasing excellence of dining out across the UK.
“The North-West has made a strong showing in this year’s list, not necessarily for the cities themselves but for top dining in leafy touristic locations such as the Lake District and Lancashire. With more and more diners seemingly valuing and indeed seeking out these types of dining experiences, the region could have even more to gain by drawing further attention to its stunning countryside locales.”
Police warn off ‘Instagram tourists’ from irresponsible parking at beauty hotspot
Daisy Jackson
Police have issued stern advice regarding visiting a beauty hotspot, after a weekend of ‘ridiculous’ parking earlier this month.
North Wales Police said there was ‘really disappointing’ and ‘irresponsible’ behaviour from visitors last week, when Storm Goretti left Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park covered in a beautiful blanket of snow.
The impressive scenery has drawn a lot of walkers up into the hills – but the winter weather has also created difficult conditions for travelling.
It’s let to the police clamping down on vehicles that are left at the sides of the road, with enforcement officers patrolling looking out for illegally parked vehicles.
Their statement also stressed that ‘irresponsible behaviour for the benefit of some Instagram photos’ can put strain on the emergency services and volunteer mountain rescue groups, pulling them away from real emergencies.
The advice has come after a weekend that saw ‘significant disruption’ due to poor parking at Pen y Pass within the Eryri National Park, which acts as an access point to climb to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon).
Police have slammed ‘irresponsible’ drivers visiting Eryri. Credit: Unsplash, Neil Mark Thomas
T/Inspector Jason Diamond, North Wales Police said: “It was really disappointing to see such irresponsible behaviour last weekend with people leaving vehicles in ridiculous parking locations, causing the ‘if they do it, I’ll do it’ effect and massively increasing risk to themselves and others.
“We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail.
“Leaving vehicles at edges of snow lined carriageways and pushing others into the paths of oncoming vehicles at best increases the risk of coming back to a damaged vehicle, but at worst, hugely increases the risk of serious personal injury.
“We seldom get snow flurries like we have seen in recent days, so our general motoring public are not used to driving on snow and ice, so irresponsible behaviour for the benefit of a walk or some Instagram photos increases the demand on our emergency and volunteer services who could be focusing on dealing with real emergencies.
“Pre-empting the social media responses, seizing vehicles left in dangerous situations, whilst always an option, needs to be risk managed in such conditions, whilst some may not be, we are always working with safety in mind. And building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds!
There will be extra parking patrols at Eryri/Snowdonia. Credit: Unsplash, Benjamin Blyth
“If you are planning on visiting Eryri please familiarise yourself with the weather forecast and keep up to date information relating to Storm Goretti by following the Met Office and news bulletins.
“If you do intend on visiting the area please make sure you park responsibly and sensibly. Local authorities will be sending their enforcement officers out and will be issuing notices to any vehicles illegally parked.”
Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet member for the Environment said: “The recent snow and ice have created some beautiful scenes and a wonderful atmosphere here in Gwynedd, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely. If you are coming to areas such as Pen y Pass to walk or to enjoy the views, please plan your visit carefully and respect others and our communities.
“We are asking people to park responsibly and not block the road for others. Our officers will be working with partners from other authorities with the aim of keeping the road clear.
“We are also encouraging people to use public transport where possible, and bear in mind that the Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service is running on the winter timetable, which means that buses are running less frequently.
“Because of the mountainous and rural nature of the area, visitors should also remember that the weather can affect the roads, which has a knock-on effect on public transport. Please check the weather forecast and road information before setting off.”
The Tour de France is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
It’s official: both the male and female Tour de France are coming to Greater Manchester and nine other destinations across the UK in 2027.
As one of the biggest locations on the list, it’s another big sporting landmark for us Mancs.
Confirmed on Thursday, 15 January, the men’s race and the Tour de France Femmes (TdFF) will be passing through our region next summer.
Revealing the news in an exciting announcement video on social media, you can see the other cities and towns that the world-famous endurance event will be hitting here:
With Greater Manchester boasting not only the National Cycling Centre, but having already hosted the Tour of Britain – which has passed through Altrincham on multiple ocassions – we’re well-versed when it comes to the sport.
It’s been more than a decade since the Tour de France last took place in the UK, with London and Yorkshire hosting three stages of the biggest date on the annual cycling calendar back in 2014.
Fast forward a dozen years, and not only will they both be participating again, but Great Britain will see dual Grand Départs for men and women for the very first time.
Not only are we buzzing that the racing will be returning to our friends in Leeds and Sheffield, but also nice to see other Northern regions lending their roads and stunning landscapes, such as the Lake District and wider parts of Cumbria.
You can see the full route map broken down below.
🇬🇧 Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, London 🇬🇧
💛 Grand Départ Great Britain 2027: in the footsteps of the pioneers!
— Le Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift (@LeTourFemmes) January 15, 2026
Speaking in an official press release, race director Christian Prudhomme said: “The UK has always welcomed the Tour with passion and pride, and the route details we are revealing today reflect the beauty and diversity of Britain’s terrain.”
“Bringing both Grand Départs here is a testament to the strength of our partnership with British Cycling and the enthusiasm of the UK.”
TdFF counterpart, Marion Rousse, added: “The UK has played an important role in the history of women’s cycling, with champions such as Lizzie Deignan.
“Starting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in Leeds is a strong choice, closely linked to this heritage and to the enthusiasm of a public that knows and loves the Tour. These stages clearly reflect the race’s ambition: to continue growing women’s cycling and to inspire future generations.”
Daisy Jackson -
13th December 2023 
