More casual than sister restaurant L’Enclume, and awarded its first Michelin star in 2018, Simon Rogan’s neighbourhood eatery in Cartmel offers high-end comfort food with a laidback vibe. Rogan & Co showcases the style and techniques that the chef has become known for whilst using local Lake District produce as well as some from further afield.
The à la carte menu features dishes made with carefully sourced ingredients from trusted growers in the region, some of which are nurtured on Rogan’s farm in the Cartmel Valley. Our lamb croquettes were crisp and golden, served with ramson. A rich, smooth velouté of pumpkin and lovage was laced with flavours of autumn including Cox apple and chestnut. Roasted Valley mallard, perfectly pink and gamey, came with Riesling cabbage, quince and roasted celeriac. A side of roasted new potatoes with hazelnut and fragrant rosemary was simply delicious.
With mains coming in at around the £24 mark, this isn’t a cheap spot, but it makes a lovely place for a celebration or special date and we think given the quality of the food, style of cooking, and relaxing atmosphere it’s not poor value.
Desserts are elegant yet comforting. We enjoyed a creamy baked cheesecake with lightly spiced pineapple poached at 40 degrees until delightfully sweet and tender, and a rich, indulgent dark chocolate fondant, gooey within and topped with apple marigold custard foam.
A hearty yet refined Sunday lunch menu offers the likes of roasted skate wing, confit lamb shoulder, pork belly or beef short rib, while a regularly changing weekday set-lunch menu offers superb value for money. Service is friendly, and the wine list offers a sound choice from around the globe. A local gem that draws a nationwide crowd.
Tables do get booked up early, so we’d advise calling ahead to secure your spot.