This morning, Michelin Guide announced its 2022 awards and a number of restaurants have come out on top.
None more so in the north, however, than Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume in Cumbria, which has made history this morning as the first restaurant outside of London and Bray to ever be bestowed with the honour of three Michelin stars – the highest award it is possible to receive.
As Chief Executive of Manchester’s Northern Restaurant and Bar show Thom Hetherington points out, it’s the first time in the 49 year history of the UK and Ireland guides that a restaurant up north has been awarded the gong.
L’Enclume was awarded its first Michelin star in 2005 and its second in 2013. Now, in its twentieth year, the restaurant in Cartmel can boast three stars.
Chef patron Simon Rogan pictured in the L’Enclume kitchen garden. / Image: L’Enclume
It is known for using the best in local produce, much home-produced on its own farm, and creating modern dishes packed full of flavour.
ADVERTISEMENT
Reacting to the news, chef-patron Simon Rogan shared his joy at being awarded the honour, tweeting: “Words cannot express the joy that I’m feeling! Thank you to @MichelinGuideUK , to everyone at @lenclume, thank you a thousand times. #threemichelinstars”
“Few restaurants represent the region in which they’re located more than L’Enclume and the Lake District. The cooking in this lovely old smithy has never stopped evolving and the energy emanating from the kitchen is as palpable as ever.
“Classic dishes have been reworked and refined, while stunning new dishes have slotted seamlessly into the set menu.
Image: L’Enclume
“Simon Rogan may have interests in other parts of the world, but his passion for his first restaurant remains undimmed – as does his commitment to Cartmel and his nearby 12-acre farm which produces so much of the superb produce that clearly inspires the kitchen.
“The enthusiasm and obvious pride of the youthful service team further enhance the experience, an experience made even more memorable if you stay in one of the bedrooms spread about the village.”
ADVERTISEMENT
A blog post from Michelin following the announcement this morning added:
“There is now quite an extraordinary level of finesse in every dish. Flavours linger long in the memory. The kitchen is practiced and focussed. Techniques are clever and, combinations, inventive and original. But however clever the construction, nothing gets in the way of allowing the ingredients to shine.
“The young, professional service team work with obvious pride and have a clear understanding of what makes a great restaurant. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming and inclusive; there isn’t a hint of arrogance or complacency; and every guest leaves feeling that they have been treated to something truly special.”
Image: L’Enclume
Since Michelin shared the news, messages of congratulations have flooded in for L’Enclume and its head chef Simon Rogan.
Restaurant consultant and NRB boss Thom Hetherington posted: “Well there you go. At last. The first @michlein 3* outside of London and Bray in the entire 49 years of the UK Michelin guide, and of course it’s up North. Unprecedented. Massive congratulations to @simon_rogan and the @lenclume team. A long time coming, and utterly deserved.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Gary Usher, the man behind the Elite Bistros group that includes Hispi and Kala, wrote: “Can’t not smile watching this. So so great! congratulations!”
UK Hospitality chief Kate Nicholls said: “Many congratulations – always a must-visit when in the Lakes” Daniel Cornwell posted: “*THE BEST*. I may have gone about how much love I have for this place. For them to finally get their third star is absolutely incredible news. So very very pleased for them all.”
Aer Lingus is serving ‘classic’ Christmas dinners in the sky this festive period
Danny Jones
Ireland’s national airline Aer Lingus is taking plane food up a notch with a whole new seasonal range throughout the festive period, including ‘classic’ Christmas dinners.
Yes, that’s right: you can get the mother of all Sunday roasts in the sky.
The Irish flight operators and flag carriers are no strangers to pulling out the stops when it comes to convincing people to choose one of their planes the next time they travel, having recently held a huge Black Friday sale on trips to key holiday destinations.
With that in mind, their latest perk certainly got our attention; when have you ever heard of someone eating a Christmas dinner during a flight? Be honest: you haven’t – that’s why it’s such a great idea.
I see roasties and a sweet. Sounds like they understand the Christmas dinners to me (Credit: Aer Lingus).
What’s better than the feeling of knowing you’re on your way to a relaxing getaway? Adding arguably everyone’s favourite meal of the year on top of it for the journey, and that’s exactly what Aer Lingus has done with the new festive menu.
Starting from Sunday, 8 December, passengers on board long-haul Aer Lingus flights departing from Ireland and down the road at Manchester Airport will be serving up what they’ve dubbed a classic Christmas dinner with all these usual suspects on the plate. Meat, gravy, stuffing, veg – you get the gist.
Those flying across the Atlantic during the holidays to destinations like New York, Orlando and Barbados – three of the airline’s most popular destinations – will actually be able to enjoy food and drink from a choice of more than 50 festive favourites.
Be it the familiar roast open or the likes of seasonal turkey sandwiches, Irish cream liqueur desserts, cheese boards and special ‘Merry Berry’ champagne cocktails available in business class, with the latter coming as a winter warmer welcome drink (don’t mind if we do), there’s plenty to choose from.
Even if you’re flying economy, there’s still a scrumptious orange chocolate mousse for afters or a special Santa-inspired chocolate treat for the little ones. Provided they’ve eaten all their veggies, of course…
You don’t have to stick with a roast either (Credit: Aer Lingus).
To top it all off, the airline will also be screening plenty of classics to watch whilst you’re enjoying your food, from Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express and Love Actually, to as well as Christmas TV specials like Friends, Father Ted, The Big Bang Theory, The US Office and more.
If none of those takes your fancy, there are also plenty of documentaries, kids’ entertainment, podcasts and games as per usual, or you should tilt your head back and enjoy some seasonal music.
Aer Lingus‘ Chief Customer Officer, Susanne Carberry, said: “At Aer Lingus, we take great pride in the role we play in bringing family and friends together to celebrate the special moments, particularly at this time of year. With the holiday season getting underway, we’re doing all we can to ensure that we make every journey count for our customers.
Christmas meals will be available onboard from 8-24 December, so if you’re looking to fly transatlantic during the festive period, you may want to take an airborne Sunday dinner into account.
You can swap Christmas toys for FREE pizzas at any Rudy’s in Greater Manchester
Thomas Melia
In an all new partnership, trusted pizza maker Rudy’s, are running a new campaign offering free pizzas in return for new Christmas toys.
From Monday 2 December to Friday 6 December, these pizza masters are offering Mancs and pizza lovers who visit any of their branches the chance to get their hands on some free doughy goodness.
This is thanks to Rudy’s teaming up with Cash For Kids to bring gifts and joy to children in need this Christmastime.
There are currently three sites across the city centre, and plenty more in the suburbs, meaning pizza lovers don’t have to travel to far to donate a new Christmas toy in return for some free gorgeous grub.
Take a job off Mr. Claus’s plate while filling your own and help him load his sleigh this festive season by taking your toy to any Rudy’s location between 12pm and 5pm.
This new deal comes in collaboration with child-focused charity solely dedicated to improving the lives of kids in need and disadvantaged young people across the UK.
Alongside this unbelievable deal, their website has lots of other fantastic ways to donate to charity including their latest t-shirt sported by our two favourite cheeky jungle co-hosts Ant and Dec.
Titled ‘Swap Toys For Pizza Joy’ all the gifts brought into the pizza restaurants need to be sealed or unopened.
Rudy’s also request that these toys which diners bring into their various locations are suitable for all children aged between 5 and 12.
The Christmas tree as you enter the Peter Street site.Swap a toy for a pizza at Rudy’s.Look at all those gifts!
Not only is this offer ingenious, anyone who brings their toy in exchange for a pizza is helping make Christmas for a child in need that little more merrier.
This Christmas-inspired campaign is taking place at all Rudy’s branches from Monday 2 December to Friday 6 December and all you have to do is bring yourself… and a toy!
Georgina Pellant -
16th February 2022 
