L'Enclume, a gastronomic restaurant, has opened in picturesque Cartmel Village, near Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, about 30 miles from Sedbergh. Reservations for both the restaurant and accommodation can be made by telephoning 01539 536362. I've not been, but as you can see from the description below, it sounds like it would be worth going to for a special occasion.
L'Enclume is owned and run by acclaimed chef Simon Rogan who is aiming for it to become one of the finest restaurants in the Lake District. His food is elegant and very much steeped in classic French cuisine. The à la carte menu demonstrates his passion for fish and also features many locally sourced ingredients. Dishes include boudin of guinea fowl confit, cassoulet of white beans and vermouth sauce; roast sea bass, lobster and lime blossom beignets, green tea and ginger; and chocolate soufflée with saffron honey cannelloni.
The 50 seat restaurant is housed in a 13th century wooden beamed building which was formerly the village blacksmiths. Although many of the authentic features have been restored such as open furnaces and the eye-catching Hooping Block, the interior is contemporary, with white-washed walls displaying modern paintings. L'Enclume has a delightful landscaped garden, which backs on to a small river and overlooks the historic Cartmel Priory, which is floodlit at night.