A restaurant in the Lake District has entered the UK's top 100 restaurants list. 

The Cottage in the Wood near Braithwaite was named 24th in the list at the annual Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards.

The awards highlight the country’s top places to eat as voted for by an elite academy of chefs, restaurateurs and food writers. 

The Cottage in the Wood Head Chef, Ben Wilkinson, and Restaurant Director, Monika Zurwaska, travelled to London to join fellow top chefs and restaurateurs at the event hosted at Allegra in Stratford, East London. 

“We are over the moon, being selected in the top 24 is more than we were anticipating," said Ben.

"We are delighted to join the ranks of the UK’s top 100 restaurants, which is well-respected in the industry, and to be in such good company.

"It’s a real ‘who’s who’ of fantastic dining experiences in the UK.

"After a challenging period this is a much needed morale boost and reflects what we are aiming for as a team, delicious food enjoyed as part of a great eating out experience.”

Joining this select culinary hitlist for the first time, The Cottage in the Wood’s Michelin-starred ‘restaurant with rooms’ features alongside renowned establishments including St John, The Black Swan at Oldstead, Sabor and Mana.

The Cottage in the Wood Co-owner Liam Berney, said: “This is such a marvellous accolade for Ben and the team here at The Cottage.

"Being listed in the top 24 really puts us on the culinary map as a ‘must visit’ foodie destination in the UK.

"We look forward to welcoming guests to dine with us over the coming months and to experience this special area of the Lake District.”

Owners Kath and Liam Berney first opened the restaurant to guests in 2002, with Chef Director Ben Wilkinson and his partner Restaurant Director Monika Zurwaska joining in 2017.

The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in Autumn 2019.