ALLIUM at Askham Hall has just been awarded a 4AA rosette rating for providing what inspectors described as a ‘truly exceptional’ customer experience.
The restaurant, hotel, and wedding venue, located near Ullswater, will be up there with some of the top restaurants in the world with their new rating with only 43 restaurants in the UK currently hold the 4AA accolade.
Co-owner, alongside his sister Marie-Louisa Raeburn, Charles Lowther said “this is fantastic news”.
“The entire team really appreciate this wonderful recognition, which underlines not only our commitment to the customer experience but our collective passion for producing plates of food that are completely in harmony with nature and the seasons.
“The philosophy of living off the land is at the heart of our ethos and the fantastic abundance of produce on Askham Hall’s doorstep throughout the year is fundamental to our ever-evolving menus.
“Only a handful of restaurants attain four rosettes and this latest accolade perfectly complements both Richard’s Michelin star and the recent César award,” he said.
Marie-Louisa and Charles spent their childhood growing up at Askham Hall and by 2012 had begun the process of turning it into a restaurant with accommodation.
“My favourite part of owning the premise is seeing other people appreciate and enjoy Askam Hall.
“Because obviously having grown up there, it was our childhood and now seeing how others appreciate it, it puts it in a new light for us and makes it that extra bit special,” she said.
The rosette announcement follows two weeks after the Askham Hall retained its Michelin Star status for the third year in a row.
Marie-Louisa said: “The business has went from strength to strength since receiving its first Michelin star in 2020.
“Covid was a difficult time for us as we had to cancel 70 weddings in 2020.
“We just felt so sad for a lot of the couples who were affected by this, that was the hardest part for everyone – but thankfully, things are definitely back on track now,” she said.
Allium has been growing its reputation for food and drink under the guidance of head chef Richard Swale, who incorporates menus inspired by Lowther Estate and the surrounding Cumbrian countryside.
The venue was described by the AA as a “destination dining experience worthy of a special trip”.
