Located in the medieval village of Cartmel, L'Enclume is more than a restaurant; it is a culinary pilgrimage. Housed in a 13th-century former blacksmith's workshop, it holds three Michelin stars and a Michelin Green Star, offering a hyper-seasonal dining experience deeply rooted in the Cumbrian landscape.
The Dining Experience
A Taste of the Lakes
The Atmosphere: The restaurant retains the rustic charm of the original anvil and forge (L'Enclume means 'The Anvil' in French), with whitewashed walls and exposed beams creating an atmosphere that is elegant yet unpretentious.
The Menu: There are no à la carte options here. Instead, diners embark on a multi-course tasting journey. Expect dishes that look like art but taste purely of their ingredients—from smoked eel and fermented juices to the signature 'Anvil' caramel mousse.
Farm to Fork: The connection between the plate and the land is absolute. Most ingredients are grown at "Our Farm", Simon Rogan's grower farm just a mile down the road. This ensures produce is harvested hours, sometimes minutes, before service.
Awards: In addition to its three Michelin Stars, L'Enclume consistently ranks at the very top of The Good Food Guide and holds a Green Star for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.
Simon Rogan's Vision
Simon Rogan is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in the UK. His philosophy centers on the belief that ingredients should be treated with the utmost respect. The menus at L'Enclume change not just seasonally, but daily, dictated entirely by what is thriving on the farm that morning.
If you are interested in the process, you can even book a tour of Our Farm to see where the magic begins before your meal.
Planning Your Visit
Booking: Reservations are essential and released months in advance. Weekend tables are like gold dust, so plan 4-6 months ahead if possible.
Dress Code: Smart-casual. While the food is world-class, the vibe is relaxed. You don't need a tie, but most guests dress up for the occasion.
Aulis: For an even more intimate experience, look into Aulis Cartmel, the six-seater chef's table adjacent to L'Enclume.
Visit Official WebsiteWhere to Stay
L'Enclume Rooms: The restaurant offers its own rooms and suites scattered around the village. Staying "with them" guarantees a breakfast that is almost as famous as the dinner.
Cartmel Options: Cartmel is a beautiful village with other excellent options.
- The Cavendish Arms: A 450-year-old coaching inn full of character.
- The Priory Hotel: Comfortable lodging right next to the historic Priory.
Explore Cartmel
Cartmel Priory
You cannot miss the imposing 12th-century Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael. It is one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the North of England and survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding
While L'Enclume handles the fine dining, the village shop is the home of the world-famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding. Make sure to buy a loaf (or two) to take home.
Cartmel Racecourse
If you visit during a race weekend, the village transforms. The racecourse is unique for having the finishing straight bisecting the main crowd, creating an electric atmosphere.
Full Guide to CartmelFood & Culture Tours
Extend your culinary journey with guided tours of the Lake District's food producers, distilleries, and historic sites. Book easily via our trusted partners.