First Michelin Star awarded to Lake District Inn

Monday 27th March, saw the couple behind Lake District Inn, Heft, Newton in Cartmel, Kevin and Nicola Tickle, being presented with their first Michelin Star, joining the honoured ranks of the most prestigious culinary award in existence.

The event held at Silverstone Circuit, saw chefs and professionals from the restaurant and hospitality industry gather together from all over Great Britain and Ireland for the first time since the pandemic to celebrate the presentation of this year’s Michelin Stars and Michelin Green Stars.

During the ceremony, a total of 20 new Michelin One Star awards were presented, 4 new Michelin Green Stars and 3 new Michelin Two Star awards were presented, with no new Michelin Three Star awards presented this year. Cumbria itself now boasts 10 Michelin One Star restaurants and 1 Michelin Three Star restaurant.

A total of 188 restaurants in the UK hold at least one Michelin Star. There are 160 one Michelin Star restaurants, 20 two Michelin Star restaurants and just 8 three Michelin Star restaurants in the UK.

All of which means this well-deserved accolade from the world’s leading food bible is a glowing testament to the hard work and dedication of husband-and-wife Kevin and Nicola Tickle and their entire team since they opened the doors of Heft in 2021.

The couple have breathed new life into their historic former 17th century coaching inn, putting it back at the heart of the community of Newton-in-Cartmel, equally attracting locals in for a quiet drink and a bar snack and diners to sample Kevin’s uniquely playful and original set menus, which are underpinned by his deep-seated understanding of the provenance of the produce he uses.

Kevin & Nicola Tickle said: ’‘Being awarded a Michelin star is totally unexpected, we’ve just tried to do our best to bring a village pub back to life and put it back at the heart of the community that surrounds it.

“We really didn’t think we would be in the running this year, we really can’t describe what this means to us both, especially with all that’s been thrown at us in the last couple of years. We couldn’t be prouder of everyone that works with us; for us this is a real team effort.

“We’ve taken our time and hopefully the work we’ve put in has helped build a solid foundation for the future. Heft is about our surroundings and our sense of belonging to this place. The food we create and serve reflects our passion for the place we are lucky enough to call home.’’

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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