Business Details
Michelin Star Restaurant in the Lake District
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District's Whinlatter Forest, The Cottage in the Wood has established itself as a beacon of culinary excellence since its inception. Our historic building, dating back to 1640, now houses a Michelin-starred restaurant and boutique accommodation that seamlessly blend heritage with innovation. Under the leadership of Head Chef Jack Bond and General Manager Beth Bond, we champion sustainable practices, sourcing ingredients from local producers while minimising waste through creative culinary techniques.Recognised with three AA Rosettes and featured in SquareMeal's Top 100 Restaurants, our team delivers an unforgettable dining experience amidst England's highest mountain forest. With menus evolving seasonally to reflect local larders and a commitment to regenerative hospitality, we offer guests both gastronomic artistry and environmental stewardship in equal measure.
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Boutique Accommodation
Tasting Menus
Sustainable Catering
Private Dining Experiences
Highlights and features
- We hold a prestigious Michelin star for culinary excellence since 2024
- Our menus feature hyper-local ingredients from trusted Cumbrian producers
- We implement zero-waste kitchen practices and sustainable operations
- Our team includes award-winning sommelier Beth Bond and globally experienced chef Jack Bond
- We offer unique forest-side dining experiences with mountain vistas
Associations and certifications
- Michelin Guide
- The AA Rosettes
- Cumbria Tourism
What people say
Breathtaking location
Innovative tasting menus
Outstanding service
Sustainable ethos
Memorable culinary experience
Services
Michelin Star Dining
Our Michelin-starred restaurant showcases Jack Bond's creative cuisine, using hyper-local ingredients from Cumbria's larder. Diners enjoy seasonal tasting menus featuring grass-fed beef, fresh seafood, and foraged wild foods. The experience combines technical precision with sustainable practices in a forest-side setting.
Boutique Accommodation
Four individually designed rooms in a 17th-century building offer forest views and modern comforts. Features include en-suite bathrooms, bespoke furnishings, and wildlife encounters. The Treetops suite offers stargazing opportunities through skylights in a secluded forest setting.
Sustainable Catering
Our zero-waste kitchen transforms ingredients into multiple menu elements, reducing environmental impact. Menus prioritise local producers and seasonal availability, with dishes showcasing creative reuse of ingredients. The bar integrates kitchen by-products into cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Private Dining Experiences
Special occasions hosted in our forest-side setting include New Year's Eve celebrations and themed dining events. The team creates tailored experiences with seasonal tasting menus, wine pairings, and access to unique forest locations for memorable occasions.
Wine & Cocktail Pairing
Beth Bond's expertise curates regenerative wine lists and zero-waste cocktails. The menu features organic wines, closed-loop cocktail creations, and locally distilled spirits. Pairing options enhance tasting menus with carefully selected flavour combinations and regional producers.
People
Jack Bond
Head Chef
Award-winning chef with experience at Eleven Madison Park and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Specialises in sustainable cuisine, transforming local ingredients into multi-element dishes. Leads kitchen operations with a focus on environmental responsibility and culinary innovation.
Beth Bond
General Manager
Former manager of Apricity Restaurant in London, specialising in sustainable hospitality. Oversees operations and wine curation at The Cottage. Committed to zero-waste practices and creating regenerative beverage programs that complement the tasting menus.
Questions
How do I book a table at The Cottage in the Wood?
Reservations can be made through our website for Wednesday to Saturday evenings, and Thursday to Saturday lunches. We recommend booking well in advance for popular dates.
What dining options are available for children?
We welcome children who can enjoy the full tasting menu experience. Unfortunately, we don't offer a separate children's menu or facilities for babies and toddlers.
What sustainability practices does the restaurant implement?
We use zero-waste kitchen techniques, source hyper-local ingredients, create closed-loop beverage programs, and use eco-friendly cleaning products. Our menus are printed on recycled paper with brewery by-products.
Are there accommodation options on-site?
Yes, we offer four boutique rooms in the historic building with forest views. Each room features unique design elements while maintaining modern comforts and amenities.
What are the restaurant's opening hours?
Dinner service runs Wednesday to Saturday evenings, with lunch available Thursday to Saturday. Telephone bookings are available Tuesday to Friday mornings for reservations and inquiries.
How accessible is the restaurant and accommodation?
While we have steps and uneven surfaces typical of historic buildings, we provide accessibility information online. Some rooms have accessibility limitations due to the property's historic nature.
