Lake District hotel named as best of the year in England

The Forest Side restaurant and rooms in Grasmere was presented with the award last night at a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London.

The highly prestigious award is seen as one of the biggest in the hospitality industry was handed to general manager Alasdair Elwick, head chef Paul Leonard and owner Andrew Wildsmith.

Read more: Old Stamp House in Ambleside named as the best restaurant in England

Mr Elwick said: “I’m not going to lie – we’re absolutely buzzing to win, it’s an absolutely mega-achievement for us all at The Forest Side.

"We work so hard doing our thing, in our way and how we want to do it, our guests love it, and our honest and genuine approach clearly has been recognised."

He finished by saying that the team would be having an 'awesome party' to celebrate the achievement.

The hotel has become a well known destination for high end stays in the Lake District (Image: Red Kite PR)

The Forest Side contains 20 bedrooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant that is designed to be a reflection of the very landscape in which it sits.

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, explained: “Every year we present awards to the very best AA-rated hotels, restaurants, spas and their teams across the UK.

"We introduced the renowned star rating scheme for quality in 1908 and are honoured to shine a well-deserved spotlight on individuals and establishments who consistently deliver excellence to their guests.”

The restaurant is a key feature of the hotel's pedigree, thanks to its Michelin Star (Image: Red Kite PR)

The Gothic mansion, set in William Wordsworth's most beloved area, has won favour thanks to its locally sourced, seasonal produce and exclusive wine list.

The gardens on-site provide about 60 per cent of the fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables needed, as well as an array of flowering plants and herbs.