As part of its strategy to become the ‘go-to’ luxury destination in Cumbria, Brampton’s Farlham Hall has secured top Michelin star chef Hrishikesh Desai as Chef Patron.
Fulfilling a personal life-long ambition, Desai will lead the recently refurbished hotel and its restaurant to becoming a ‘beacon of true high-class hospitality’ in the North West.
With stunning views over the estate’s lake and rolling hills, Farlam Hall’s Cedar Tree restaurant will enjoy a full menu makeover under Desai who promises ‘simplicity with oodles of class and an unexpected twist to make guests smile!’
A dish of Jerusalem artichoke velouté, paired with honey from the garden, served with a mushroom duxelles spiced cumin raviolo is one such dish expected to appear on the new restaurant menu.
Preparing to take the helm in April, Desai, who shot to fame after reaching the final of the BBC’s Great British Menu show, said: “Farlam Hall is a very special place with genuine Cumbrian warmth, understated elegance and a passionate yet relaxed team. It is a place of storytelling, and the food, superbly sourced wines, spirits, beers and ales are central to that. Its kitchen gardens, poly-tunnels and honeybees provide an abundance of produce as does the wider environment of farmland and freshwater streams. We’ll be using these ingredients from these sources to their full potential.”
Desai will be joined by Karen Baybutt, former Managing Director at The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House where Desai oversaw three award-winning restaurants achieving numerous rosettes and a Michelin star within 16 months.
She said: “Hrishikesh and I have moved to Farlam Hall as a team and will take the next step together, we will work in partnership with the existing team?to deliver a memorable, but beautifully uncomplicated, experience for guests.”
American entrepreneurs Joseph Walter and Kathy Mares purchased Relais & Châteaux & Pride of Britain hotels?member Farlam Hall in 2019 and set about transforming its 12 rooms and six cottages into an elegant, luxurious retreat for guests seeking a beautifully uncomplicated experience, off the beaten track of the Lake District.
Walter said: “We are delighted to welcome Hrishikesh whose reputation for simply outstanding food precedes him. His talent and tenacity will be pivotal in Farlam Hall achieving its goals in the coming years.”
