Paul Burgalières, the head chef at Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume, hails from Limoges in France. But his adopted home is the Lake District. ‘It’s a small place, and they’re very similar landscapes,’ he says. ‘It just rains more here.’ With vast landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities to get stuck into when he’s not in the kitchen, the area also has an impressive offering of fine-dining options. ‘The Lakes is just a really good balance of working a job I love and the outdoors,’ he says. Having lived in the area for six years now, Burgalières gives us a tour of his favourite places to eat, drink and chill.
Eat
‘There are so many good places to eat here, it’s hard to fit it all in. The Old Stamp House in Ambleside does great, modern British cooking, with dishes that interpret the area. The Drunken Duck gastropub is also really nice, as well as Askham Hall.’
Drink
‘My day off is grabbing a coffee and pastry from Lovingly Artisan, 20 minutes away from where I live, and taking a walk. I’d say it’s one of the best bakers in the country: they use northern blended organic flour and just care about the quality.’
Do
‘I’m someone who can’t stay indoors. I’d recommend going for a walk on the hills around Kentmere, or going for a cycle in Grizedale – it’s pretty family-friendly. My favourite thing to do, though, is going rock climbing or bouldering in Long Dale, the limestone valley. You can go all year round as long as you find a good weather window.’
See
‘Wastwater, one of the coldest lakes in the lake district, is pretty remote, but the landscape looks out to Scafell Pike and the views are amazing. When it’s snowing it’s particularly beautiful.’
Paul Burgalières at the head chef at L’Enclume, Simon Rogan’s restaurant in Cartmel. The restaurant retained its three-Michelin-star status for 2023.
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