Michelin Guide has announced its hotly-anticipated 2022 awards and a number of restaurants up north have come out on top.
None more so than Simon Rogan's L'Enclume, which made history this week as the first restaurant north of London to ever be honoured with three stars.
It's the highest award that can be bestowed by Michelin, marking L'Enclume as one of the best eateries in the country.
A two-hour drive from Leeds, the Cumbrian restaurant is known for using the best in local produce, much home-produced on its own farm, and creating modern dishes packed full of flavour.
Chef patron Simon Rogan pictured in the L’Enclume kitchen garden. / Image: L’Enclume
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.
As Chief Executive of the 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.
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”
Image: L’Enclume
Michelin’s Guide on L’Enclume reads:
“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.”
A blog post from Michelin following the announcements yesterday 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’EnclumeImage: 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.”
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.”
A much-loved black cat at Huddersfield Railway Station has died in a tragic road accident.
You may remember back in 2018 when a couple of adorable kittens went viral on the internet for being exceptional members of the Transpennine Express crew at Huddersfield Railway Station.
Bolt first joined as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite of the team and of people at home.
So much so, that a Facebook page set up for Bolt and Felix gained more than 167,000 followers.
Sadly, Transpennine Express released the news yesterday that Bolt had sadly passed away in a road traffic accident.
Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
Announcing the news, they said: "It is with heavy hearts that TransPennine Express (TPE) announces the passing of Bolt, Huddersfield’s much-loved former station cat, following a road traffic accident.
"Bolt joined the team at Huddersfield station in 2018 as an apprentice to Felix, the station’s famous Senior Pest Controller, and quickly became a firm favourite with colleagues, customers and visitors from around the world."
Of course, tributes have been pouring in with fans expressing their sadness.
One person said: "Oh no! I remember when Bolt first arrived. R.I.P. Sweet Bolt, may Felix be waiting to show you around just as when you first arrived at Huddersfield."
Whilst another said: "This is such very sad news. When all the work is completed at Huddersfield Station, might it be possible to give another deserving cat or kitten, a home there? There are so many cats and kittens in sanctuaries all over, who need a safe and loving home."
Andrew McClements, Customer Experience & Transformation Director for TPE said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Bolt. He was a much-loved member of the Huddersfield station family and brought joy and comfort to so many people over the years.
“From his early days learning from Felix to becoming a star in his own right, Bolt left his paw prints on the hearts of colleagues, customers and fans across the world. He will be very sadly missed.”
Bolt’s former companion Felix, another much-loved member of the Huddersfield station team, sadly passed away in 2023.
Featured image - Transpennine Express Press Office (Supplied)
News
National food critic crowns Leeds restaurant as one of his top three in Britain
Clementine Hall
Renowned food critic Jay Rayner is singing his praises about a certain Leeds restaurant.
And it's probably a restaurant you've walked past time and time again, but have never thought to pop in.
Named Sous Le Nez, this independent French-inspired bistro and wine bar is tucked away in the basement of Quebec House on Quebec Street, right in the heart of the city centre.
Translating roughly as "under the nose", it's particularly fitting as its food and wine is now being hailed as some of the best in Britain by Jay Rayner himself.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Feeding the people of Leeds since 1991, has some of the best food in the city been under our nose this whole time?
Appearing on the Routes LNER podcast hosted by Jenni Falconer, Rayner was asked about his favourite three restaurants in Britain to which Sous Le Nez got a very special mention.
Jay Rayner said: “Sous Le Nez, an old stager in Leeds that has been there a very long time.
“Great wine list. Nothing on the menu will surprise you but it is done very very well.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, he gives a very quick shoutout Domo in Sheffield (also now in Leeds) for their special Lobster on toast.
It's safe to say that Jay loves a bit of Leeds, back in January he gave The Highland Laddie a glowing review hailing it 'the pub that refuses to die' and in 2024 he labeled Zucco in Meanwood 'the perfect Italian'.
High, high praise indeed. You can listen to the podcast here and you can find out more about the fabulous Sous Le Nez here.
Georgina Pellant -
17th February 2022 
