This is a restaurant that exudes cosy, self-effacing charm, rather than slick, drilled service and a lecture with every course. On arrival, a letter from the chef awaits you at the table, explaining, and I paraphrase, that waffling on in your ear for each of the nine or so courses about ingredients, techniques and the inside leg measurement of the man who hand-dived the scallop may spoil your enjoyment of the food, so he’s decided to shut up and write it all in this letter. That introduction is followed by approximately 600 neatly typed words on Walney and Roa Island scallops, the small fishing fleets of Barrow and Whitehaven, Grizedale Forest stags and the Herdwick lamb that’s farmed just five miles up the road at Yew Tree Farm.

In the middle of a downpour we hotfooted it to lunch at the Old Stamp House (tasting menu $105), in Ambleside, the former workplace of William Wordsworth, who, before his wandering days, was a postmaster and distributor of stamps. (The region celebrated his 250th birthday last year.) Brothers Ryan and Craig Blackburn, who own the Michelin-starred restaurant, preserved the building's original flagstone flooring and white stone walls, which are now hung with sketches of stags and native Herdwick sheep.

The quality of locally sourced and foraged food has been raised to a new level by this Michelin-starred restaurant, which, together with the Lake Road Kitchen, has given Ambleside unexpected status on the British gastro map. Chef Ryan Blackburn has created a menu anchored to Cumbrian traditions but at the same time mouthwateringly creative and contemporary. Look for hand-dived scallops with pumpkin, braised daube of beef with smoked celeriac, and Cumbrian gingerbread with rhubarb soufflé.

The Old Stamp House offers a unique, sumptuous dining experience within the hallowed confines of William Wordsworth’s former workplace, in which the famous poet conducted the role of distributer of stamps from 1813-1843. Launched by award-winning chef and Taste Cumbria ambassador Ryan Blackburn, The Old Stamp House shot to fame with impressive speed. The cuisine is deserving of its accolades and created with the utmost attention to the changing local, seasonal produce.

Tucked away amongst Ambleside's shops, in the heart of the Lake District, is a piece of literary and Cumbrian history. In the same tiny house where this MICHELIN-Starred restaurant now sits, Romantic poet William Wordsworth worked as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. Today, it is filled with great cooking and happy diners, as owners – and brothers – Ryan and Craig Blackburn, show their passion for the local area.

Alternatively, settle into the intimate surrounds of the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House, which serves up fine dining fare that showcases Cumbrian heritage. Opt for the tasting menu, inspired by the county’s landscape, with dishes including black pudding bonbons with Cumberland sauce and hand-dived scallop with a mead velouté.

The Old Stamp House in Ambleside picked up the top prize ahead of a French establishment, Restaurant La Maison d’a Cote in Montlivault, and Tokyo’s Ise Sueyoshi. The gong cements Cumbria’s place as one of the world’s food capitals.

Serving food inspired by Cumbria – its heritage, people and landscape – is the ethos of The Old Stamp House. Run by Cumbrian brothers Ryan (chef) and Craig (manager) Blackburn, not only is their exciting menu influenced by the rugged Cumbrian landscape, but it also draws heavily upon the county’s rich seafaring past and its use of imported spices such as pepper, mace, rum and ginger. The cosy, welcoming restaurant (formerly William Wordsworth’s office) with its whitewashed walls and stone-flagged floors is designed to be a showcase for Ryan’s cooking and a celebration of the farmers who supply his meat, the fishermen who catch his fish, and the local artisan producers whose ingredients elevate his dishes to Michelin-star standard.

Every time we visit Ambleside I threaten to drag everyone to The Old Stamp House - a restaurant that's regularly touted as the very best on Planet Earth. Then common sense descends and I remember we've not booked, and some family members still wake up in a cold sweat from our visit to Moor Hall in Aughton despite it being wonderful. Fortunately for everyone involved, the owners of the Stamp House opened Kysty not so long ago as a more casual (read: not as pricey) experience for diners and we manage to get a table for two, leaving the parents for dinner at Liverpool vs Leicester at The Ambleside Tavern where their sausages actually look ace.

Finding its home in the former office of William Wordsworth and celebrating the incredible produce found across the Lake District, the Old Stamp House is Cumbrian through and through, leading to a beautifully thought-out menu that sings the praises of the county. One of the most beloved Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District, this intimate restaurant welcomes diners for lunch and dinner, with a lighter tasting menu for day guests and a veritable feast in the evenings. From Cumbrian rabbit, Allerdale cheese, and Cartmel valley venison to Grasmere gingerbread, the tasting menus take you on a tour from sea to lake, and farm to fell.

Deep down in the belly of an old house in Ambleside – once the office of Lakes-based word master William Wordsworth who worked here as a Distributor of Stamps – is this quirky one-star spot run by the Blackburn brothers. And their dedication and rooted love for old Cumberland flavours (now with a more modern Cumbrian flair) often found in the dappled woodlands and dramatic Irish Sea coast is as clear as day on the menu. There’s real heart and soul in the story, with history being the real driving force behind their food – Ryan Blackburn runs the kitchen and started out as a wee lad in his grandfather’s pub.

The Lake District is not short of good places to eat at, but this stands out in an area of brilliant restaurants!. ” – so say fans of Ryan (chef) and Craig (manager) Blackburn’s well-established destination located in the former office of poet William Wordsworth from the days when he was the local stamp distributor. The main event in the evening is the ‘Journey around Cumbria’ tasting menu with eight courses for £95 per person: “superb food that thoroughly deserves its Michelin star” all delivered by “knowledgeable and warm” service.

Those following in the footsteps of Wordsworth can map out the highlights below, but also pass by the Stamp House in Ambleside, where the poet worked as postmaster from 1813 (a building that now houses a restaurant and a two-bedroom holiday apartment). Those looking to put some serious steps in should navigate The Wordsworth Way, unveiled in 2025 to mark the poet’s 255th birthday: a signposted 14-mile trail leading from Ullswater to Ambleside, gathering together many of the favourite walking routes of William and Dorothy.

You’ll want to book ahead at The Old Stamp House to avoid disappointment. Sure, Ambleside may be a thriving holiday town on the shores of Lake Windermere with an abundance of eateries, but this Michelin-starred menu reads like a love letter to the region, referencing shellfish sourced from the small fishing fleets of Barrow and Whitehaven, stags from Grizedale Forest and Herdwick lamb that’s farmed a stone’s throw away. Even their coffee comes from a local coffee roasters that is a Certified B Corporation.

BASED in William Wordsworth’s former offices in Ambleside, local lad Ryan Blackburn doesn’t make as much noise as some of the other chefs in the area – which is perhaps why his Old Stamp House restaurant hasn’t been high on my list until now. The website doesn’t mention the fact that he won a Michelin Star in October 2019 (I would literally be shouting this at people in the street.) Nor that he trained at other, famous Lakes kitchens, including Holbeck Ghyll and The Cottage In The Wood.

Found in the picturesque town of Ambleside at the head of the mirror-topped Lake Windermere is the Michelin star Old Stamp House. Residing within the former office of William Wordsworth, the renowned Cumbrian poet, the restaurant treads in the footsteps of literary greatness and today crafts its own expert spin on creative mastery. Full of palate-pleasing tastes, it presents superb menus of both Lakeland favourites and dishes inspired by the region’s maritime trading history.

The Old Stamp House is an intimate 28 cover restaurant in Ambleside which occupies the cellars of an old house where the famous poet William Wordsworth used to work as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. The restaurant celebrates its’ local surroundings and local farmers produce, making it one of the best restaurants in Ambleside. The brothers behind the Old Stamp House, Ambleside, are head chef Ryan Blackburn and restaurant manager Craig Blackburn.

The casual eatery serves a relaxed menu featuring simpler versions of the same quality dishes of Ryan’s innovative dishes from The Old Stamp House menu, alongside a series of dishes inspired by his love of culture and travel, many of which are already experienced in Cumbria’s diverse culinary repertoire. It goes without saying that naturally every single dish Ryan creates will utilise the very best produce available to deliver exciting plates of food.

William Wordsworth fans in the Lakes might be interested to visit The Old Stamp House, as the famed romantic poet once used the building as his study. If you're here for the food though, you'll be just as impressed - menus of course fluctuate with the seasons, but you can expect a Cumbrian spin on contemporary British dishes, such as hand dived scallop, cauliflower and spiced mead velouté, and trout, asparagus and shrimps with brown butter sabayon.

This is a welcoming restaurant at the heart of the village of Ambleside, housed in the former office of William Wordsworth. This is a quiet and intimate venue tucked away in a quiet corner of Church Street which is run by two brothers who share a passion for good food and delicious tastes. Ryan and Craig Blackburn opened in 2014 and have since developed a popular and memorable place to eat for locals and visitors alike.

The Old Stamp House Restaurant, located in Ambleside at the heart of the Lake District National Park, stands in the former workplace of one of its most famous and treasured natives: William Wordsworth. Opening in 2014, the Old Stamp House offers a unique experience. Head Chef and Owner, Ryan Blackburn, is known for a variety of speciality dishes, including the famous and iconic Herdwick Lamb that roam the local fells.

In Ambleside, you will find The Old Stamp House, whose food is inspired by Cumbria's heritage, people and landscape. Housed in the former office of Williams Wordsworth, it is connected to the heart of the Lake District and honours the great poet with its name. History has influenced the dishes with the area's past connection to the seafaring trade with distant lands in the Americas, Caribbean, and India.

When searching for places to eat in Cumbria, The Old Stamp House should certainly be on your list. Situated in the stunning town of Ambleside, surrounded by quaint shops and cafes, you will find the ideal location to enjoy fine dining. The Old Stamp House is located in the former office of William Wordsworth, providing somewhere worth visiting for its history alongside its cosy and intimate setting.

Drawing inspiration from every element of Cumbria – the people, the mountains, the coast, the history – The Old Stamp House sits in a quiet, partially hidden spot in Ambleside. It’s particularly proud of its seafood, with produce from the Solway Coast and the harbours of Maryport and Whitehaven. These relatively unknown parts of Cumbria are stocked with delicious crab, fish and other seafood!

This Michelin star restaurant creates a one-of-a-kind experience for those who enjoy a creative menu. In the former office of William Wordsworth, the Westmorland Distributor of Stamps, you’ll find The Old Stamp House serving food inspired by Cumbria. In this intimate 28-cover restaurant you can find authentic Cumbrian food courtesy of the Blackburn brothers who opened in 2014.

Then you could try the Old Stamp House, also in Ambleside, another frontrunner in the great lakes Michelin race. But if all the decadence gets a bit much you might prefer Kysty, the “casual dining” offshoot that the Stamp House opened down the road in 2018. There’s a short set menu and, at £29.50 for two courses, it’s markedly cheaper than at its fancier fellows.

The likes of Simon Rogan's L'Enclume and both The Old Stamp House and The Samling in Ambleside have put the county on the map for food-lovers, and today it is home to the most Michelin stars outside of London. We didn't need any convincing, but here we've taken a closer look at just some of the reasons to head for Cumbria for your next foodie escape.

A really unique restaurant, as it was once the office of William Wordsworth, and this tiny spot is now a Michelin restaurant. Because of this it’s pretty pricey, with a set menu at £95 per person, and bookings are taken quite far in advance via their website. The menu changes with the seasons, but the local landscape and produce plays a heavy part.

One of Ambleside’s Michelin Star restaurants, this quirky, underground eatery offers a unique experience you won’t forget. The building itself was once the office of William Wordsworth. The menu is inspired by the local landscape, and the towns history of trading creates a surprisingly eclectic dishes mixing local produce with exotic ingredients.

This spectacular restaurant in Cartmel holds two Michelin stars, five AA Rosettes and was named the number one restaurant in the United Kingdom by The Good Food Guide 2020. That’s HOW good it is!. Head chef Simon Rogan’s menus reflect the seasons, so you can expect delicious creations using ingredients from the Cumbrian countryside.

Set over a number of intimate dining rooms is this flagship restaurant of the charming Gilpin Hotel; be sure to start your visit with an aperitif in the bar or one of their many cosy sitting rooms. The cooking adopts a modern and sometimes playful style, including the increasingly common incorporation of Japanese ingredients.

Address: Church Street, Ambleside, LA22 0BUWebsite: The Old Stamp HouseStar Rating: 5.0 (TripAdvisor). Once home to poet William Wordsworth’s office, this Michelin-starred gem combines heritage with outstanding cuisine. The menu celebrates the region’s bounty, with dishes like Herdwick lamb and wild sea bass.

The Old Stamp House, Ambleside In the centre of Ambleside is the Old Stamp House, the historic former office of William Wordsworth, who worked there as Distributor of Stamps. The restaurant is split over two low-ceilinged rooms, adorned with local art. The restaurant is owned by the Blackburn brothers.

This Ambleside restaurant is located in a historic building with links to William Wordsworth, and Old Stamp House gained its first Michelin star in 2019. Local heritage is key on the menu and featured ingredients include Cartmel Valley pheasant and Cumbrian gingerbread on a la carte and tasting menus.

Located in the heart of Ambleside, using the food the county has to offer, from Herwick sheep that roam the fells and using local fishing fleets from Barrow and Whitehaven for locally sourced fish and shellfish, the team source and collect wild herbs, mushrooms and game from the local woodlands and.

It's housed in William Wordsworth's old office, and combines Cumbrian tradition with modern ingredients. Their tasting menu includes dishes like duck liver with beetroot and pickled walnuts, roe deer with seasonal vegetables, and a dessert of bee pollen, Zingi bear, gingerbread, and forced rhubarb.

This intimate 28-cover restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner of Church Street, first tentatively opened its doors in 2014. The brothers behind it head chef, Ryan Blackburn, and restaurant manager, Craig Blackburn, set out to offer a unique glimpse into the food and cultural heritage of Cumbria.

Before you head back to your spa hotel in Windermere, then treat yourself and a loved one to a fantastic meal at the Old Stamp House. The fine-dining restaurant is a former “restaurant of the year” winner from the prestigious Cumbria Life awards. A well-deserved accolade by anyone’s standards.

The Old Stamp House Restaurant offers the finest cuisine that reflects the chef's family passion. Using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, the meticulously crafted dishes are truly exceptional. The staff's attentiveness and the comfortable atmosphere make for an enjoyable dining experience.

Chef Ryan Blackburn really impressed me on the last series of Professional Masterchef and as soon as I got the opportunity i had to go and see what his Ambleside kitchen was turning out. I found Ryans food to be creative , accurately cooked and I really did enjoy it. Why have I taken so…

Pentonbridge Inn, which sits in countryside close to the Scottish Border at Penton in north Cumbria, offers a set tasting menu featuring ingredients sourced from the restored walled garden of its sister business Netherby Hall, a historic country house at nearby Longtown.

Ryan said: "‘The Schelly is a new chapter for us - it’s designed to be an informal place where you can enjoy nibbles and small plates of food with a glass of wine while you catch up with friends or enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner in elegant yet unstuffy surroundings.

The Old Stamp House: Nestled right in the heart of Ambleside, The Old Stamp House is a real gem. With a Michelin star, you know you’re in for a treat. They whip up the most amazing dishes using local Cumbrian ingredients, sticking to good old culinary traditions.

There are currently seven restaurants with michelin stars in The Lake District, including the two-star L’Enclume in Cartmel and the three new entries for 2020 – The Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite, The Old Stamp House in Ambleside, and Allium at Askham Hall

a quaint cottage style licensed restaurant tucked away down a quiet lane, in the heart of Ambleside. Behind the traditional Lakeland slate exterior you will find cosy interior with an eclectic mix of original old features, complimented by modern lighting.

Old Stamp House – located in the heart of Ambleside, this fantastic restaurant is superb. Gaining a Michelin Star in 2019, not to be missed. Chef Ryan Blackburn is passionate about the best produce from Cumbria, you will have a fantastic meal here.

In the heart of the Lake District sits this quirky little restaurant...the skilfully prepared dishes have been well-thought-through and carefully balance bold and delicate flavours; each one has a story – sometimes historic, sometimes personal.

Ryan Blackburn is a chef cooking with such consistent flair that securing a table at the restaurant he runs with his brother, Craig, requires deft forwa… Read more. Some things are worth the wait. Dinner at the Old Stamp House is one of them.

Zeffirelli’s and Fellini’s are great for vegetarian food while The Old Stamp House is a fellow Lancashire Life Food and Drink Award finalist. For good beer in a traditional Lakeland inn, try the Golden Rule on Smithy Brow.

Tripadvisor 4.5/5– British / Vegetarian Friendly / Vegan Options – ££££. One of Ambleside’s Michelin Star restaurants, a trip to The Old Stamp House offers a dining experience like no other. View this post on Instagram

The Old Stamp House Restaurant, located in Cumbria, won the top spot in two categories worldwide, fine dining and date night, in the review website’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” Restaurants awards.

Ambleside has some of the best restaurants in the Lake District, including the Michelin-starred Lake Road Kitchen and Old Stamp House. For something more relaxed, pick up a tasty pie from the Great North Pie Co.

But, on a three day jaunt to walk in the Lakes (dry/wet/dryish) we finished off with lunch at Kysty in Ambleside, the more low key and casual offering from the team at the Michelin-starred Old Stamp House.

The title of UK #1 Fine Dining restaurant has been awarded to the Old Stamp House, in the heart of the Lake District village of Ambleside, housed in the former office of renowned poet William Wordsworth.

It was named in the Best of the Best fine dining restaurants category and the award is decided by an algorithm which analyses the millions of reviews and opinions collected by the website in 12 months.

The Old Stamphouse occupies the historic former office of William Wordsworth in Ambleside. The Restaurant was voted Cumbria Life Restaurant of the Year and was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2019.

Treat yourself to a luxurious dining experience at The Old Stamp House, a Michelin-starred restaurant. Or tuck into hearty pub grub at The Unicorn Ambleside, the town’s oldest pub.

Old Stamp House – foodie heaven, at a Michelin starred restaurant based in a workplace of William Wordsworth, who was the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland, as well as a poet.

It is by no means the first taste of recognition that the Michelin-starred business has received having been crowned as the AA's 'Restaurant of the Year for England' last year.

At the AA's 2023 Hospitality Awards, the Lake District dining room was named England's Restaurant of the Year and got a 3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence.

Enjoy some fine-dining at The Old Stamp House Michelin-starred restaurant in Ambleside. Photo by: Phil Rigby Photography. Location: Lake District

According to the sample evening menu, visitors can expect to try some of the best local produce the Lake District has to offer - such as:

The title was awarded to the Old Stamp House, in Ambleside, housed in the former office of renowned poet William Wordsworth.

Head to Ambleside's Old Stamp House for regional cooking in a heritage space by one of Cumbria's most promising chefs.