globetrotter

SIMON ROGAN SPILLS HIS LAKE DISTRICT SECRETS

- ​PATRICK HAMILTON

One of Britain’s most decorated chefs, Simon Rogan built his name on food that celebrates perfectly grown and reared seasonal produce. His restaurants can be found across the world, but his spiritual heartland is Cumbria, where his signature restaurant L’Enclume has been delighting diners since 2002. We picked his brains on the best of the Lake District, the jewel in Cumbria’s crown.

Describe a perfect Lakeland day. One of my favourite ways to spend the day is a visit to Coniston. We park up in the village, then walk to the lake for a quick bite at the Bluebird Cafe. After, we hire a private motorboat – lovely on a warm summer’s day – or take the launch for a cruise around the lake. We always end up back in one of the cosy village pubs before heading home.

We’ve got our hiking boots, where should we head? I like to walk to the top of Gummer’s How, one of the smaller hills on the eastern edge of Lake Windermere. The panoramic views are magnificent.