The Old Stamp House Restaurant
+44 15394 32775+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wed
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MICHELIN
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Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
In the heart of the Lake District sits this quirky little restaurant, which occupies the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work ...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideOne MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
Details
PRICE RANGE
₱1,993.00 – ₱3,690.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
1,657 reviews
Excellent
1,510
Very good
118
Average
19
Poor
8
Terrible
2
Andy O
Manchester21 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
This was a return visit for dinner and it was outstanding again! Food was exceptional, wine delicious and service was perfection. Coped magnificantly with food intolerances, could not fault and would return in a heartbeat at any opportunity as it is amoungst the best food we have had the pleasure of eating. It is fine and therefore expensive dining rather than cheap eats, but you can so clearly see where your money goes in terms of quality of ingreadiants, food and service.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geordiedaz
Chester-le-Street319 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Hidden away under a Greggs you would easily miss this great restaurant. It's been awarded a Michelin Star and I can see why.
It's cosy little place with stone floors and due to Covid they are restricted to just 5 tables, so if you are wanting go you need to be booking weeks in advance.
They've also changed the dining times with 3 sittings at lunch, 5.30 & 8.30 (although we were seated by 8.00).
Everyone gets the same Tasting Course menu (11 courses with the optional cheese we shared between the 4 of us) at £75 and it was all fabulous with my taste buds being attacked from all corners.
Staff were very friendly and attentive without being over the top, also to save them explainjng each course you were given an envelope with full course description, which really helped when working our way through the superb feast.
The wine list is fairly extensive and inculding 2 bottles plus an extra drink each our bill for 4 came to around £430 (service charge is not included, which I like) & worth ery penny.
Can't wait to go back.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old account
London52 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
The tasting menu at lunch was perhaps the best food my partner and I have ever eaten.
We visited for a lunch tasting menu. The service was faultless and food was to the same standard. Canapés were a nice surprise, scallop with pumpkin purée and parmesan tuile added texture and saltiness, the main courses of cod and hogget were both beautifully presented with great textures and outstanding flavours, but arguably the star of the show was the chocolate delice - a subtle hint of coffee (very glad it wasn’t a stronger flavour) alongside the refreshing clementine was an excellent ending to the menu. Lots of Michelin star tasting menus are let down with a poor dessert, but this was incredible and took it above any of these menus.
Not quite sure of the local market (we are used to London prices), but feel that £45 is hugely undervalued. Prices could be far above this. Fully expecting to pay more the next time we visit, and would certainly be happy to!
Chocolate fudge with (what I believe to be) hoggat fat was a lovely ending to the meal. The chef coming out to chat to guests and giving us the menu to take away made the lunch even more perfect. Unquestionably deserving of the star. Clearly loves what he’s doing and it shows in the standard of the food.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline P
Manchester37 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
My husband and I visited as a first stay over and treat post lockdown on July 14. The staff were diligent in the way they prepared for the safety of their customers even producing comprehensive notes for the tasting menu to reduce the amount of contact between customers and staff. Every course was a sheer delight, each matched with a great wine all very reasonably priced for a Michelin star experience. Looking forward to visiting again.
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke D
15 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We went to the Old Stamp House this summer as the highlight meal
of our trip having previously ate at similar restaurants on previous visits to the lakes.
I will highlight that the theme and experience of my negative review is akin to similar 1, 2 and 3 star reviews this restaurant has received prior. That is due to the service rather
We went with high hopes given the strength of the reviews and it’s recent acquisition of a Michelin star.
Upon arrival, initially we were welcomed into the restaurant in a fairly usual fashion. Having seated, we were given the wine menu and some time after asked if we would be ordering drinks and also offered the wine pairings.
I declined the wine pairing and had a low alcohol beer as I was driving and my partner had a gin and tonic but highlighted she would like a glass or two when the mains came around. There was a clear change in attitude and atmosphere towards us as we had declined the pairing. Not only this, it appeared we attracted further judgment from the front of house manager for not even ordering a bottle of wine.
We were somewhat opposite to the other two tables which shared our space one of which had a pairing and the other ordered a bottle or two of wine.
Save for the service of food, we were largely cast aside by the main front of house gentleman (the actual staff were a touch better) but come 25 minutes in we were left with an empty water jug, beer glass and gin and tonic with no offer of drinks.
Whereas the gentleman had not only topped up the other two tables and offered them further drinks but he was engaged in quite prolonged animated conversation with both other tables working the room as if to only pander to those he either saw as more refined for having a wine pairing or for those that bought the pounds signs to flash up in his eyes. We actually even overheard him quip something to the effect of ‘needing to up sell the wine’. (This feeling we perceived has been experience by other reviewers who sense they are being judged by this gentleman)
We spent maybe five minutes trying to garner attention to little avail before he finally came over. My partner then complained about our treatment pointing to the empty vessels that on our table. He did apologise and raised Covid as the reason why they are being more hands off with their table service which we highlighted was wholly undermined by the better treatment the other tables received.
Whilst the apology was forthcoming it naturally cast an awkward and forced attentiveness for the remainder of our meal.
It is unfortunate because the food itself has a quite deserving of the star but for the price and the expectation the service did not match.
I have ate at various similar priced and Michelin star establishments and have never ever felt such a perceived sense of judgment from service staff. Irrespective of what tables are spending when you are charging those prices everyone deserves 5 star service and this was lacking and woefully inadequate.
It was an uncomfortable and difficult experience for a premium price
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flagsandglory
Chester51 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Can not fault the Quality or the pleasure of eating the dishes which were served form the tasting menu in this quaint little restaurant, but please... stop calling everybody guys!!!! I’m sure your staff can come up with something different than constantly calling your customers guys.
For one I’m clearly not a guy and two it’s irritating as hell!
So be kind to your high paying patrons and call us some more fitting that better suits your clientele.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellabreeze57
York363 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Exceptional quality in every way!We had the Early evening taster menu which was superb. Every course was amazing in both presentation and taste and the service was attentive but discreet. I opted for the wine pairings which was great value at £35, my partner was driving so had wine by the glass. We have eaten at the nearby Samling as well as a number of other Michelin starred restaurants and this place was certainly up there with the best and better value than most. A real hidden gem!
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris_and_Emma1
Lytham St Anne's157 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We ate here on a Thursday evening at their 5.30 sitting because, unfortunately, they were fully booked at the later sitting as availability was limited due to Covid. There are slightly fewer courses at 5.30 which is less expensive. Eating at 5.30 is much earlier than we usually eat but it was no less an experience. The food was sensational. A warming glass of Hoggett broth to greet you, several 'snacks' (basically incredible tasty bites as appetizers), homemade bread and then 4 courses. The service was outstanding; attentive but not formal or stuffy. They called beforehand to confirm the booking and discussed at length with my wife her dietary requirements; where they conflicted with the menu they simply created a new dish for her but in the main, so that we shared the same dining experience, they adjusted the dish to ensure we ate broadly the same menu. They went to extraordinary lengths to accommodate my wife's diet which worked perfectly. We will be back.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel S
21 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
We booked here as a treat during our honeymoon in The Lakes. This is a small understated restaurant in the midst of Ambleside but it does not disappoint in any way. While the room looks basic, with wooden tables and chairs, it is subtly elegant. There are no pompous table cloths but locally sourced felt table mats with cutlery served in the same.
We chose the taster menu and matching wine flight. The food was divine, every course including the additional appetisers were delicious, all using locally sourced ingredients. Each course was perfectly timed and the wine matched was just perfect. We’re not connoisseurs at all and the wine was explained in just the right level of detail. My food dislikes were managed very well with a slight amendment to one dish. Finally the staff were great, I thought one individual was a little pompous at first but he soon mellowed during the meal.
Overall a superb meal in every way and a gem of a place. We will be back.
Thank you
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karlamarie6
Nottingham27 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Visited for the valentines lunch taster menu and it was superb. Each course was like a tiny piece of heaven on your taste buds.
The restaurant is small and cosy with a relaxed atmosphere and the staff were excellent making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Will certainly return the next time I’m in The Lakes.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe
Norwich3 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
The entire experience of eating at The Old Stamp House was fantastic! The staff were incredibly attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The food was truly special - every single dish was perfectly prepared, incredibly well thought out and unbelievably tasty! The wines we had were wonderful also. We were here for the lunchtime tasting menu as we couldn't book an evening table (recommend booking many weeks in advance).
We will be back!
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete M
Liverpool13 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
My wife and I spent our anniversary here and it was truly special. Hidden palace underneath Greggs and accessed by some steps but once you find it it has a real character and charm which is rustic and entirely sympathetic to the whole Lake District milieu. We each had the full taster menu and each course was spectacular as were the amuse bouche that preceded the six courses. We were there nearly three hours but this was entirely due to the most relaxing and pleasant pace at which the food is served and the fact that the team take time to explain the dishes and their preparation. I did not opt for the matched wines and this was a big mistake on my part. Other tables did take the option and the array and quality of the wines served was admirable and the knowledge of the Sommelier impressive. I will not make that mistake again!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay L
41 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
I booked our table at The Old Stamp House on the morning when the bookings opened for July (months ago) so was surprised when we arrived and were shown to the worst table in the restaurant. Every other table we could see was set out traditionally with people facing eachother as you would want to eat your meal. Ours was a table for two with one person facing the wall like a naughty school child. The other sat next to them rather than opposite. We asked to change tables but it seemed like it was way too much trouble for the front of house gentleman because seating is allocated specifically and the table would need to be cleaned again if we moved. The correct answer would have been "yes of course you can change tables. There are plenty that are empty". (There were loads). Then I asked for a bottle of wine which they had run out of. Not a great start. I think at this point they realised things weren't going well and rang through to their sister restaurant to get a bottle from there. It arrived within 5 minutes which was really good service.
Onto the food. It was outstanding. Highlights were the Arctic Charr, the wild rabbit, the main lamb dish and the rum and gingerbread tart.
Our waiter Steve was brilliant, as was the other lady waitress who also helped to serve us. They were knowledgeable and friendly and genuine.
We have eaten at quite a few Michelin star restaurants and the food here was some of the best. The table service too. However, the issues at the beginning tarnished it for us a bit. Without these issues I would have given 6 or 7 stars!
Written July 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
seoworks
Sheffield15 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
My partner and I booked lunch because we couldn’t get an evening table during our Lake District visit. I wouldn’t normally go out for a lunch like this I much prefer to eat this way for dinner, but I’m so glad we went!
The staff were pleasant and knowledgeable and obviously this restaurant has family at the core, it certainly helped as they all seemed very good at what they do. Covid restrictions barely made a difference as everything was managed well.
The September menu we enjoyed was a wonderful balance of so many different flavours and types of dishes, we enjoyed every mouthful. You don’t need to know the ins and outs of every plate of food, you just need to book and go and enjoy the experience!
This was in our top few meals of all time, and at £49.50 a head it was simply amazing value! We have already pencilled in a return and are planning our next Lake District weekend around the availability of this restaurant.
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Global Explorer
Bath359 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
We loved eating here. Without knowing you would walk straight past, as its a tiny I guess 25 seat diner hidden away down some steps. But it plays the role of understated very well and its even better for it. Ryan Blackburn is a local lad made good. The fact that he won a Michelin Star in 2019 proves the guy can cook, but wow.
The whole experience was without fault. The staff are friendly, down to earth and attentive. Each dish we were served on the tasting menu was seriously skilled and very tasty.
Overall, it was by some very considerable margin, the standout meal of our UK trip. It was also in the final analysis excellent value for money for a fine dinning meal, and compared with many average dining experiences we had in London and South East England earlier in our trip quite stunning value for money.
We can't recommend The Old Stamp House enough. We will be back !
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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