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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The best deals and offers in Manchester city centre for the 2025 graduation season
Danny Jones
Forget festival season or even Oasis mania, it’s graduation time – same time every year, and we still feel a warm and fuzzy inside every time we see our round as punch smartpants in their silly hats, so we thought we’d celebrate them with a round-up of the best related deals and offers in Manchester.
You’re welcome, big brains.
Whether you studied at the University of Manchester, MMU, Salford Uni or otherwise, make no mistake: this is YOUR moment in the spotlight and you deserve to soak it all in, every last drop.
So, without further ado, here are some of the best graduation offers and deals Manchester city centre has to offer this year.
2025 Manchester graduation deals and offers | 2025
Starting off on Canal Street, MAYA is offering all graduates a complimentary drink of their choice upon arrival, plus the bonus of a complimentary bottle of fizz for food bookings of three guests or more.
2. Tender at Stock Exchange Hotel – Central
It’s a similar story over the tender Restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating, inside the Stock Exchange, who is handing out free glasses of bubbly when booking a table.
Credit: Press shot (supplied)
3. The Cut and Craft – Central
Cut and Craft are serving a special graduation set menu consisting of three courses and a glass of prosecco for £50 per person (pp), available all day from Monday to Friday throughout July.
4. Hello Oriental – Circle Square and Trafford Centre
Hello Oriental diners and Class of 2025 members can raise a toast to their own success with either a free bubble tea, dessert – ‘Taiyaki’ soft serve or indulgent ‘Crème Brulée Bingsu’ – or a glass of prosecco when showing the graduation certificate or a photo of you in your hat and gown.
Complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon champagne (yep, the real good stuff) as well as an exclusive graduation set menu: two courses for £25 pp, or three for £30.
6. Zouk – Oxford Road Corridor
Free welcome drink with any main, sharing platter, or set menu item. You can choose from their brand-new summer special ‘Zouk Sunrise’ cocktail, an ‘Ocean Love Colada’ mocktail, a glass of Prosecco, or a soft drink. In fact, every guest gets a soft drink when adding ‘graduation‘to the booking notes.
Credit: Supplied
7. Electric Shuffle – Deansgate
Another free glass of prosecco is coming your way when booking a shuffleboard table during the 2025 graduation season.
8. The Lowry – Salford
If you’re someone staying over at The Lowry Hotel for graduation day this month, you will receive a bottle of champagne in your room completely gratis, as well as half-price bookings on a second bed and breakfast room for your loved ones/anyone with you for the big day.
There’ll also be discounted parking, not to mention 15% off all food and drinks, and gift vouchers for graduates to enjoy three small plates and a glass of prosecco.
Sexy Fish’s limited graduation menu is priced at £55pp and is available until 25 July, and comes with a congratulatory glass of bubbles. But that’s not all…
10. The Alan – Central
Joining forces with the stylish seafood restaurant, graduates can now enjoy an exclusive ‘dine and stay’ package starting from £195. Find out more HERE.
11. The Laureate at Hyatt Manchester – Oxford Road Corridor
Speaking of staying over, anyone rooming at the Hyatt Manchester over on Booth Street West can also grab themselves a bespoke celebratory cocktail.
12. Albert’s – Castlefield and Didsbury
Careering over to Castlefield, Albert’s Shed has a three-course set menu for £45pp, which includes a sparkling elderflower fizz cocktail. You can also opt to eat and drink just a tram ride or short drive away at their Didsbury location.
Celebrating a massive milestone in Manchester, Australasia’s ’15 for 15 years’ deal isn’t technically a graduation special, however, at just £15 for a main course and a drink (or £18 with a glass of wine, prosecco or beer), you’d be a fool not to consider this spot for your post-graduation celebrations.
14. The Black Friar – Salford
Not too far from here, you’ll find the beautiful Black Friar bistro and pub, which is offering a free bottle of prosecco to anyone who books a table at the venue this graduation season. Sorted.
Credit: The Manc
15. 20 Stories – Spinningfields
Across the other side of Spinningfields, 20 Stories’ July graduation menu promises two courses and a glass of fizz for £29pp, or three for £34pp. Available every Monday to Friday from 12-3pm, as well as Mon-Thurs between 5:30 and 6:30pm throughout July.
16. Podium – Deansgate
Down the road at Beetham Tower, a.k.a. Hilton Manchester, graduates eat completely free when three paying adults book to dine. You can reserve a table now and also grab a free ‘Gin-ovation’ cocktail from the Cloud23 sky bar (a fair) few floors upstairs.
The Rrefuge restaurant inside the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is keeping things nice and simple: a free glass of prosecco to the star of a table when mentioning graduation during booking.
18. Tattu – Spinningfields
Two-course graduation lunch menu for £32.50pp, or dinner from £44.90, as well as a complimentary cocktail for the graduate, and a special scroll that may or may not contain a special golden ticket inside, which could contain one of several prizes.
Credit: The Manc
19. Fenix – St John’s
At the back end of Spinningfields, Fenix is also offering a two-course graduation lunch menu for £32.50pp, which comes with a complimentary glass of prosecco; if you want to dine in the evening, it’s the same number of courses, only with proper champagne instead and for £44.90.
As part of the Permanently Unique hospitality group, they are also offering the scroll and a potential golden ticket opportunity.
20. The Ivy – Spinningfields
The Ivy is serving up a stunning three-course graduation menu, which ends with their signature seasonal special ‘Graduation Chocolate Bombe’ dessert, for £35.95pp. You also get a memorable keepsake to take home, and that’s all we can tell you.
From Spinningfields to the edge of Salford, Manchester bottomless brunch favourite Menagerie is offering a celebratory lunch and drink for £15.95pp, between 12 and 5pm, with a complimentary drink for you and your party when adding ‘Graduation‘ in the booking notes.
22. Browns Bar and Brasserie – Central
Browns are also pulling out the stops with a very reasonably priced three-course graduation menu for £39.00pp, which also comes with a complimentary glass of champagne for the graduate.
This one only applies to Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) graduates, but the value couldn’t be overlooked; get 20% off the bill when you book a table for 6 or more people and pre-book using code ‘graduation‘ and bring proof of your graduation from Man Met.
24. CitySuites – Central
Second to last is CitySuites, who also quietly boast arguably the best overall graduation celebration package of all: a bottle of prosecco, a £10 Selfridges voucher, £30 credit per night to spend in their on-site bar and restaurant, as well as full access to the spa pool, breakfast, robes, parking – the lot.
Available until 3 August, this one is perfect for those based out of town. You can book HERE.
And the last of our Manchester university graduation offers and deals is up there with the cream of the crop: The Midland. You can get 15% off their ‘Excellence’ afternoon tea package (£55.00pp).
Whatever you opt for, you deserve it – congratulations to all of you!
What it’s like to fly from Manchester Airport’s ultra-luxury new private terminal
Will Kendrick
I’ve always accepted that commercial air travel comes with a certain level of chaos: the lines, the noise, the stress of checking your pocket for your passport every five minutes or checking the screens for that inevitable delay. It’s not glamorous, but it’s just part of the deal. It’s the price to pay prior to a holiday of good food and weather. Or so I thought.
Last week, aether turned that belief entirely on its head.
Upon arrival at the private terminal – located away from the main airport, near Runway Visitors Park – we were greeted outside by the most lovely host and welcomed inside. It was surreal; there were no crowds, no lines, no barking announcements – only calm, quiet luxury. Granted it was 6am, but let’s admit it, even Manchester Airport can be chaotic at that time.
The lounge area was super relaxed. Ambient music echoed quietly throughout the room and large panoramic windows meant you could watch the spectacle of every take off and landing right from your armchair.
But the real highlight? Breakfast by Adam Reid. Yes, that Adam Reid – the mastermind chef behind The French restaurant at The Midland Hotel. aether serves a three-course breakfast experience that wouldn’t feel out of place in a five-star hotel.
We enjoyed the fresh fruit in elderflower cordial, the buttery jammy croissant pudding and a bowl each of overnight oats. Already this was more than I’d have for breakfast any other day, nevermind the day you go on holiday where you’re usually too stressed to eat.
Then we opted for the smoked salmon and scrambled crumpet and the breakfast bun. The breakfast bun was huge, and kept me full all the way to Seville.
Finally, we finished off with a small smoothie and a cake each, before sitting back down to await details about our flight. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the beer and prosecco, because we were on our holidays after all.
If that wasn’t reason enough to fly with aether, the level of luxury had only just begun. When our flight was almost ready to board, we were asked to head on through to security. It was identical to that seen in any other terminal, except once again, we were the only people there. In fact, we were through security in less than two minutes. I think it was at that point I said to my partner: “I can never go back to normal.” These are the things worth paying for.
What it’s like to fly from aether, Manchester Airport’s ultra-luxury new private terminal
Obviously, we still had to get to the plane. You’d assume they have a bus? You’d be wrong. We were chauffeured to the gate in a luxury BMW quite literally driving alongside the runway with a couple of stops whilst we had to wait for planes to reverse. We felt important.
If I let my imagination get the best of me I’d have thought we were heading to a private hangar to board Air Force One. But lo and behold, we had to enter the airport for all of 30 seconds before we boarded the plane. God forbid! Our chauffeur even made sure we boarded through the priority queue, and that concluded the coolest and smoothest way I had ever boarded a Ryanair flight.
It’s easy to scoff at the idea of a ‘private terminal’ until you experience it for yourself. But aether isn’t just offering luxury for luxury’s sake – it’s redefining what the start of a journey can feel like. No queues, no noise, no stress – just calm, care, and an exceptional breakfast to send you on your way.
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
15th August 2024 
