Heft in South Lakeland

We turned up to Heft at 6pm on a Sunday. Parking is pretty tough so beware and if your coming from Cartmel area some farmer tracks. Luckily the food was worth it. Me and my partner shared the beef rib and it was probably the best beef I've had, sides were great, the cauliflower cheese with hazelnuts was my wife's fave along with the amazing mac and cheese, would request that they added maybe a couple more solid sides. We did three Michelin star restaurants in the lakes, two of four of our group said this was there fave. Need to have the taster menu next time!

Great place, friendly staff. Would highly recommend.

Everytime we go this place does not disappoint! Whether it's a Michelin star meal or a quick drink and a sausage roll!! Always excited to go here!! Staff are amazing, food is unreal, bar snacks are way more than peanuts and crisps!

From the moment you sit down in this relaxed restaurant it becomes clear why they have attained a Michelin star. Having eaten at many Michelin's over the years , personally I think it won't be long before they get a second star. The tasting menu, featuring the best of local produce was varied and plentiful and we had too many stunning dishes to choose a favourite. The service was friendly and impeccable without being over bearing. The meal went at a nice pace ( about 2.5 hours ). Parking is easy in the roads around the restaurant.

What an amazing experience! Every bite of food was exquisite - I'm a pretty picky eater and enjoyed (almost) everything I ate! All of the dishes with mushrooms and fish specifically. Never in my life did I think I'd enjoy mushrooms or fish! My wife described so many of the courses as 'life changing'. So much flavour and everything so well balanced and beautifully served. We were primarily served by Joe and Dan who gave us 10/10 hospitality and were really lovely to chat to through the evening. How they made time to make us feel like good friends while serving us all those courses and wine, I'll never know, but they did the same for all the tables around us and I think thats a real gift. This was an experience of a lifetime for us - someday if we win the lottery, hopefully we can come for the full dinner experience again, but I also love that they do 'normal' food (which I have no doubt is just as excellent) for those who can't spend £400 on a meal out every week. I can't recommend this enough! And if you're coming from out of town, we recommend staying at Steve's place across the road called Heft View.

I made an error when booking by using my Google account, which I rarely check, so I missed the confirmation email. Concerned that I hadn't received a response, I emailed the restaurant from my Outlook account to cancel but received no reply. The next day, I noticed a £90 charge on my account, which I assumed was a deposit, so I travelled 1.5 hours to the restaurant. Upon arrival, I was informed that the charge was a cancellation fee. While I acknowledge that the issue started with my mistake, the man we spoke to was unnecessarily rude and dismissive, which left both my partner and I feeling frustrated and disrespected. I wish the situation had been handled with more understanding, especially after an honest mistake

🎨Visiting Heft makes me Feel Like Dining in a Painting 🌟 Opened by a former pastry chef from the Michelin 3-star L‘Enclume, Heft earned its own Michelin star in 2023. The restaurant embraces a natural, farm-to-table approach to cuisine. The desserts are truly impressive, with complex layers that showcase real skill. ☺️The atmosphere is wonderful, and the sunlight makes everything look stunning—like dining inside a painting. With sunlight streaming through the windows, everything feels beautifully serene.

Had the dinner tasting menu, although none of our party took the wine pairing in a show of solidarity for our designated driver. Every single course was delicious, nothing seemed out of place. An exceptional meal.

Great place for Sunday lunch. Good absolutely superb. Reservation essential

Thoroughly enjoyed my lunch here. A well thought out menu showcasing world class ingredients, complimented by a friendly and welcoming team. Highly recommended. Flowers were a little tired, I’d personally be happy to pay a little more for the menu which could help change the flowers more often 💐

We were given a lot of good reviews for this place, so our our name on the waitlist and managed to get a last minute reservation for Sunday lunch. £39.50 for two courses is pretty competitive for a restaurant with one Michelin star, however, whilst the main courses were excellent, we were disappointed with the desert. We both had the lemon tart, which was far too big, the tart casing too hard and the lemon curd a bit soft; all in all not a cohesive desert.

Such a nice spot for a pint! Lovely interiors and sunny seats out the front. The staff are so friendly and knowledgeable about the local area. We were stuck for some food on a Sunday night and they helped us out with some delicious sausage rolls and homemade ketchup. Will definitely have to come back!

Food is very good in the main and is worth a visit. Main restaurant tends to get noisy as other people have mentioned, some sound deadening materials would help. Also, as others have mentioned, service can be slow if you arrive early as all diners finish at the same time despite when you arrive.

Decided to give this place a go after cancelling another starred restaurant in the area, what a cracking decision. Every course tasted fantastic, so many complex flavours going on. Not 1 course felt like it shouldn't be on . The whole experience was excellent. We will definitely be back . Give this place a try

Exceptional lunchtime experience.

We recently stayed in the village on holiday with our family from USA & Canada. What a wonderful area! We frequented the pub at the end of our days and enjoyed the atmophere, food, and service. Daniel, Saul, and the ladies were so kind and accommodating with our last minute requests, so thankful and grateful. Highly recommend the Heft and look forward to our return trip. Cheers!

What a fantastic experience. We dined at Heft today (21 Jun 24), for my wife's birthday lunch. It was a joy from first to last. Fully deserving of its 1* Michelin rating. The food was outstanding and the service top notch. Flavours we havent experienced before and can't wait to experience again. Thanks to all for a first class treat.

Popped in with the dog for a couple of pints and the pie of the week (served as bar snacks). Received a lovely welcome from the staff and locals. Thoroughly recommend the Fell Brewery Ghyll golden ale too.

Great food and drink. Staff couldn't be more helpful and the food was excellent Parking is difficult, just plan not to park close by.

Wow this place certainly lived up to what I had heard, three of my worl colleagues recommended The Heft and I'm glad I took their advice

Never received a confirmation email for my reservation and got charged £220. First time I’m facing service that poor in a supposed top rated restaurant in the UK.

A great find little gastro pub. It was quite empty when we went in. The staff are pleasant and efficient. We missed the taster menu as only one a day. Parking is a bit of a nightmare. The bread is to die for, but I couldn't fault this little place, although my husband would have like a portion of chips, and they do not do chips.

This afternoon, my friends and I treated ourselves to a stunning lunch at Heft, where the beauty of the Cumbrian landscape merges seamlessly with the elegance of the dining space. The bar area at Heft deserves its own accolades; definitely a retreat that invites guests to linger over their drinks. Our adventure to Heft started with Uncle Juan’s rosti, paired perfectly with sour cream and pickled onions—a playful start! Next, the mushroom, egg & cheese crumpet arrived, each bite bursting with warmth and comfort. The journey continued with a thyme custard infused with onion broth, alongside confit enoki mushrooms. We then savored the smoked golden beetroot with buckwheat and watercress pesto, a dish as beautiful as it was delicious. The seabream, glazed with mead and served with Roscoff, charred greens, hay, and ramson sauce, was incredibly satisfying. Dessert brought a joyful surprise with “When Daisy met Bramble,” a sweet homage to the local flora, followed by a luxurious praline, pine & mascarpone choux au crhaquelin. We concluded our visit with a selection of fine cheeses accompanied by rhubarb chutney, truffle honey, and crackers. We plan to return soon to delve into the roast dinners and perhaps even the full 10-course menu. Thanks to the staff for making our experience so delightful! ♥︎

The tasting menu was out of this world. My only slight criticism is the meal took a bit too long but I wouldn't dare not give this place it's well deserved 5 stars

We’ve been wanting to go for some time… and it did not disappoint. Every course was wonderful and not a scrap of food went back. We will be back.

Lovely stylish country pub and restaurant. Fabulous food from the bar menu

Our second visit to Heft and we were even more impressed than our first visit! We had a pub lunch and all of us really enjoyed our meals. I had the pie of the day which was creamy wild mushrooms with ramson, the pie was fantastic and the gravy was undescribably tasty. My only complaint was I couldn't get all the gravy without a spoon.

Our second visit for lunch. Superb food, friendly knowledgeable service (and great value). Well deserving of a star. As it’s a set lunch, the courses come out at fairly much the same time for the whole restaurant and it was funny hearing everyone going quiet then scraping their plates clean in unison. Everything was absolutely delicious and we all loved the atmosphere too. It also really helps when the service is as good as this. Personally I really couldn’t fault it and I’m sure we’ll be going back soon.

Hugely enjoyable gourmet dining experience, staff were excellent and the food superb. Will definitely be coming back!

This Michelin star restaurant in the Lake District has a wonderful 12 course taster menu which showcases the culinary skills of its owners using locally sourced fresh produce. Can get a tad bit noisy when full.

Absolutely wonderful meal...curry night. Great atmosphere.

Have only eaten here on a Wednesday evening, when Heft is offering one of it's more laid back menus. Have never been disappointed and I love their draught cider. It helps that I can walk there from home.

Suday lunch is brilliant. Generous portions, high quality ingredients and great flavours.

We were alerted to Heft by a friend who is local. We came for lunch (on our way through to Glasgow to visit family), so were there for the lunch menu, which - bear this in mind - would only offer a glimpse of their abilities. Suffice to say, we have already made a note to get back for the full-on dinner experience (including the wine pairings - as I was driving, I can only attest to the - great - quality of their tab water). This is one of these places in the new-ish (and welcome) tradition where a sense of place, local sourcing, authenticity of heritage and sustainability (of the produce and the communities) is paired with refined cooking. And Heft does deliver rather beautifully on this! Also of note is the place itself: it is an old village pub (lovingly restored) and the front is, I believe, still a pub, with the dining room at the back. It maintains a refined but (phew!) unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere. (no photos; we were too busy enjoying our food, ourselves and our chats)

Absolutely brilliant: food was superb, staff attentive but not overly so (Dan in particular, wry and funny, very knowledgeable). Real attention to detail, slick in a good way and can’t wait to go back.

Fabulous snacks in the bar with good choice of beer and 2 real fires. We had lunch recently which was excellent, just sometimes hard to get in which shows its popularity. We have booked for a celebration lunch which we know will be as good as last time. Edited to say the lunch was as good as expected and one of the highlights of the celebration.

Excellent food. Genuinely superb service. Nothing at all too fault. An absolute gem. Pie night is a thing of beauty

Amazing hospitality, the attention to detail is impeccable, the food is the kind of food that makes you smile with every bite, had a fabulous Lunch, with plenty of flavours I had never tried, am already recommending to everyone I know.

Tasty in the end, but waiting 45 minutes after the time that the table was booked for the bread to arrive was a bit of a trial. Main courses all good, puddings ok, although the soggy waffle on one of them was icky. Nice enough, but how on Earth is this Michelin quality?

This was my first experience of a Michelin star restaurant - and it lived up to expectation! The food was wonderful. It was clever, delicious and varied. The crumpet snack was one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten and my girlfriend and I contemplated asking for a bag of them to take home. Heft if you read this please ask for my details and send a sack full. We had a wonderful evening, and whilst the price is a little eye watering, I would absolutely go again.

Such an amazing place. Staff are always happy and talkative and always make a fuss of the dog/kids. Bar menu is so nice! Pies are always full to the brim and soup is always very tasty!!

We visited Heft while staying nearby, it was recommended to us by the B and B owner. The building is well presented on the outside and cosy but modern on the inside. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. It was pie and mash night so that's all that was on the menu. I wasn't expecting a pie and mash to be so tasty but it was the best pie and mash I've ever had. I had the chicken and ham hock one, the filling was tender and extremely morish and the pastry was lovely and crisp. The mash was soft and buttery and the gravy was extremely good. My wife had the veggie option and she loved her pie too. The price of each meal was very reasonable too. I'd definitely go back to try the rest of their food, it's over a 2 hour drive for us but it's definitely worth it.

Absolutely fantastic. The maître d made the experience extra special. Thanks for a fantastic meal. If in town we would certainly return.

Definitely not value for money.

Fabulous addition to the area's food scene. Top end food and service, with a lovely bar for drinks and bar snacks (including pies!) if you don't want the fine dining experience. Brilliant x

We attended the Sunday Lunch, and it was a treat!! The whole atmosphere, whilst being relaxed, is super unique. Firstly, we welcomed, asked if we wanted drinks, and sat in the bar; the entire area was nicely decorated. Then, we were taken to our seats quickly, and there was a clean and spacious table for the 2 of us to sit at. The staff checked if we were happy and showed us the drinks and food menu. The staff were very knowledgeable, explaining every dish as it was brought to the table. The experience was incredible. My wife was gluten intolerant, and they gave her what she still talks about the best gluten-free bread she's ever had! Overall, the food was delicious and had such a range of flavours. I was so pleased that we managed to get a reservation. It was such a wonderful experience. Thank you for making our holiday and my wife's birthday so special. Would recommend!

Love everything about Heft. Wonderful meals in the main dining room or pop in with the dog for a pie and pint in the bar.

Amazing food!! The staff are wonderful! Really fantastic place for very good food and wine!

Our experience was marred on arrival when we were not properly greeted, and when we tried to enter the dining room were shouted at by someone from behind the bar to say the restaurant was not ready and to sit down in the bar. So we sat buy no one came to take our drinks order. Not a One Michelin Star standard. However, after ordering drinks at the bar, things got better. We were taken to our table, and the meal itself that followed was very good. Certainly a One Star quality. I raised these service issues quietly with the gentleman who did most of the service, he was gracious and apologetic. By way of apology, I assume, I was brought an extra desert, but my partner was not! Had to ask for that which dully appeared. So overall, an excellent meal food wise, but the service just not up to standard. We are blessed in this area to have (now) many excellent Michelin Starred restaurants, all competing for our custom. HEFT needs to raise its game to hold on to this precious and hard won asset.

Simply outstanding, great service and unreal food

Lovely setting for a drink and snack, very friendly staff

Disappointing experience... Service was good, not bad ambience, shame the food was a let down. 4 course lunch... 3 of the courses were tiny and the main was also relatively small. 4 mussels as a starter... really (and they were the best course) Besides the mussels none of the courses impressed me... especially the dessert some strawberry sauce and goats cheese with crumbles. Cheese after the meal was good but again very small. Ended up having a snack afterwards. Bill came in at 250 for 2 people with a few drinks. Must try harder.. Happy to pay the money but I want to be impressed and satisfied. Very surprised this is michelin

We booked for the tasting menu , on first appearance it looked small from the outside , on entering we were pleasantly surprised , lovely decor , warm welcome by staff and friendly atmosphere, the food exceeded expectations, wow was heard throughout the meal , the combination of flavours combined with presentation was top class , we fine dine on a regular basis so have high standards and expectations and we were not disappointed, even the cheeseboard excelled , we were so impressed we booked to return for Sunday lunch and will be returning to try the lunch time menu too. The chef is top class and this lovely young couple are going to go places if they keep this up .

Very nice birthday treat for my wife. Food, service and staff as expected was top notch. Reasonably priced for fine dining. The front of the restaurant also serves as a pub, which is good and the price of a pint was the same as most places in Kendal. Not stuffy and would recommend for a nice treat.

Amazing bar food as always. A pint of Fell Brewery IPA and sausage rolls that were on another level, moist, aromatic pork a meal in itself

Proud this is one of my local pubs. Took a party of 7 and everyone loved it. Every dish hit the spot. Service and wine fantastic and the atmosphere of the place is perfect. Fully recommend.

Firstly congratulations on the brand new Michelin star! We had a fabulous meal on Sunday for a family members birthday. From start to finish the service was casual but attentive which was the perfect balance to the casual but fine dining vibe of the restaurant. The food was absolutely spectacular we had the Sunday service with all the sides and there wasn't a single one we didn't like. Special mention has to go to the beef and truffle mash potatoes. The bread and butter were also to die for. We left thinking it couldn't get any better to find out we can all tick it off our Michelin star list as well a day later ! We will be coming back

Fabulous Mother's Day Sunday lunch. Food was amazing. Will definitely return soon 👌

Five stars aren't enough! The inviting arrival into a pub with crackling fires was a welcome touch on a cold, snowy day. Every member of the team we spoke to was warm and friendly. The set lunch menu was exceptional and amazing value for the level of food and service you'll be treated to. Each course was perfectly timed and prepared by people who care about food and local produce. The space is well appointed without feeling pretentious. It won't be long until Heft has a Michelin star. When you hear what they've done to help the local community by reviving an old pub space, you'll love them even more! Great experience and we'll be back!

Great food and a very nice place to be. Definitely worth a visit.

Lovely food in a great atmosphere. The staff were friendly and helpful. Will be back again.

Faultless in every way...food, drink and atmosphere.

A fantastic surprise; beautiful place, beautiful service, stunning food, and definitely book ahead! Pricey but worth it.

Such a welcoming special feel when you enter we were booked in at 12 for a lunch time visit. We were welcomed and asked if we wanted drinks ,we sat in the front bar by the friendly fire. We were taken to our seats quickly and there was a clean and spacious table for the 4 of us to sit at. The staff checked if we were happy and then showed us the wine list The staff were very knowledgeable explaining every dish as it was brought to the table. They poured wine when our glasses needed refilling without looking harassed and like they enjoyed the task at hand. The experience was amazing the food was delicious and such a range of flavours. I was so pleased that we managed to get a reservation it was such a wonderful experience. Thank you for making our holiday just a little better.

Out for birthday lunch, had the sharing beef, surprised you had to pay for gravy 😲

Excellent in everything. Lovely lunch.

Very very good food. Pricey but the food is exceptional. Went to the bar area and we had soup ( possibly the best I've ever had and I don't normally have soup) and a sausage roll which was big and delicious. As I live within easy walking distance this place will become a favourite when I can afford it. Slightly higher prices stopped me giving it 5 stars. Nowadays I rarely give 5 so 4 is very good indeed.

Absolutely superb. Good value in comparison to forest side and Lenclume of which we visited recently. Heft can really hold its own against these other two more well known restaurants. Highly recommended, this place will have a Michelin star or two in the next couple of years.

Gem of a place. Caters for the locals as well as passing trade. Local produce and well priced.

Had a fabulous time here on our anniversary, had the tasting menu with the wine flight. Food and wine impeccable, portion size just what you needed.

I’ve been here twice, once for the tasting menu and once for the best Sunday Roast Dinner of my life. Both times I visited the food was amazing and I couldn’t recommend this place enough for a foodie treat. It is a pricey visit but it’s worth it as the quality of everything you are giving is outstanding. Even the dishes I didn’t like the sound of (mussels as I’m not a shellfish person) were delicious. If you’re visiting this part of Cumbria/the Lake District, this place is a must visit for any foodie and much better than the other Michelin star eateries in the area (trust me, I’ve tried).

We had such a good time here for my fathers 60th birthday Décor is clean and simple Food was fab, sometimes a tad salty but still great Wines they recommended was fab Tried lots of new flavours and dishes Best was the monkfish and cherry dessert Would go back again for sure Staff were very kind Nice to spend time in a restaurant and really chat and relax Toilets were clean and well kept Nice to hear the story of the owners too Loved their wine glasses too Also loved the mussel kebabs Lamb was fab and tender. Would have like a bit more of it. Well don Heft

Very expensive for I thought average food. I would not return.

What an experience. Absolutely loved this dining treat. Went for dinner for the tasting menu. The dishes were not only beautifully plated, they were unique, delicious and the staff were very proficient in their presentation and attention to detail. Highly recommend stopping in here if you're in the area and are looking for a grand experience.

The sunday lunch was delicious . 😋 I would highly recommend it.

Very flavoursome tasting menu with lots of unique dishes. Seasoning was perfect without having to over salt the dishes. Desserts were a great stand out with 3 proper courses rather than just the usual token taster you get else where. Some great wine and beer choices. Thought the venue had a lovely atmosphere and staff enjoyed what they did

Went for the 2-course Sunday lunch. As to be expected in a restaurant of this quality, the menu was not huge, but everyone found something they fancied, and it was fun choosing from the varied and imaginative sides. The main courses were absolutely excellent. We all had something different. The pork chop was described by the person who chose it as 'the best pork chop I've ever had'! My monkfish was wonderful, and the vegetarian option was also marvellous. Desserts matched the main courses - a perfect finish to a delicious and memorable meal. The dining area was well appointed, the service was second to none, and the originality and range of flavours in the food made our meal a delight. On top of that, the price we paid was very reasonable for such a top-rate meal. I'd definitely go again. Not to be missed if you are in the area (or even worth going out of your way for..!)

A lovely village pub with friendly staff. Clean and bright with seating out front.

Our 1st visit, but won't be our last

First, please understand, this isn't a "standard" pub. Kevin Tickle is without doubt one of our favourite head chefs. We've followed him since he started at the Forestside in 2014. We were massively eager to try his new project at heft along side his wife Nicola and can truthfully say it doesn't disappoint. The service at the front of house is some of the best we've experienced. From the moment you sit down, the staff are attentive without being intrusive. There is no upsell on wine or other drinks and it's totally up to yourself how much you consume.without feeling pressurised, yet if you require another drink it's as simple as a slight nod of the head. The tables are not overcrowded either. One comment I would say is a slight background music may help the atmosphere a little as it can be quiet at times. The food is exactly what you would expect from Mr Tickle. Inquisitive, fresh and challenging whilst being presented in an exquisite way. The flavours are well balanced whilst being intense when they should be. For example if the portion is small the flavour is intense without being over powering. Only course I wasn't keen on was the radish course. There was enough depth of flavour but with that said, my wife thought this was delicious. Looking forward to returning once the rooms are ready on site to stay and experience the evening meal in a relaxed and attentive atmosphere. Well done Kevin and Nicola. I suspect it won't be long until you have claimed that michelin star if you can continue the great work!

Great country pub, great food. Nice warm fire. You can't dream of a better Inn. ☆☆☆☆☆

A nice village pub, food was lovely staff very friendly would go again

What an absolute gem of a find!

L'enclume may win on 'theatre' but in every other respect this is the place to go.

Delicious food, cooked and presented to perfection. Lovely attentive staff. Its the place to go if you want to really treat yourself to a dining experience.

Fantastic pub restaurant with outstanding food

I rarely, if ever, write reviews but this place deserves to succeed so I've made an exception. I've been fortunate to have eaten in some of the best restaurants in the world. Some are too fancy and over priced, many serve mediocre fare and live on reputation. Heft is by contrast a breath of fresh air. Very pleasant fresh, clean decor and great friendly service without being pompous/intrusive. Fairly simple menu (a good thing) with great flavours and interesting contrasts in side dishes. Beautifully cooked and seasoned food and decent size servings. My family and I had a delightful experience. No hesitation in thoroughly recommending Heft. We shall return and I hope they have great success. They deserve it.

Excellent beer, great place. Would recommend to all

Bit expensive, but good to go for a treat!

Great evening at the Wednesday quiz. Good set of questions. Good beers albeit a little expensive. Food at interval excellent and reasonably priced.

Stunning lunch. Every course a complex and enjoyable mix of textures and flavours.

Can't rate the food as we only stopped off for a drink on the way past but staff are friendly and the service great. Nice place, will definitely be visiting again soon

Lunch time pop in, very good service friendly ad excellent sausage roll

Clean smart environment, very knowledgeable staff regarding food and wine with clear explanation for everything. Fantastic food quality in both look and taste. We have been a few times now and are looking forward to our next visit, we have recommended to several people who also had a very enjoyable experience. I would Highly recommend for an amazing experience.

The ambience and food were great. The service was good too We had the tasting menu at £85 per person and it was as expected, unusual, tasty and fun. As ever with these detailed, if not, flamboyant, descriptions of each course, the 'script' is rattled off quite fast and it's hard to hear, let alone remember it. I would like that 'script' put on the menu to really appreciate what I'm eating here as I appreciate it's hard for the staff repeating them hundreds of times to not get into a overly fast patter. The offer of an additional course - some freshly foraged mushrooms, for another £10 was...a good way for the restaurant to get another £40 out of us and whilst like everything that course too tasted great...£40 more in my book isn't worth it. An additional cheese course was £16 between two. The cheese and highly seeded cracker sheets were lovely but in future I'd pass on that and stock up elsewhere and get a lot more for your money at home afterwards. Service was at times a touch slow and they were full and it didn't really matter except our taxi had arrived to take us home 3h after we arrived and we needed another half an hour really. We did in fact end up eating the cheese and crackers at home! All payments are taken at the bar so there was a bit of a bottle neck there with customers wanting to pay at the same time. A service charge had been added to the bill and I'm not keen on that. I would have happily added it though. We had pre-dinner drinks, two bottles of the middle priced wine, a half bottle of dessert wine and two glasses of sherry and our bill was £135 each With £60 return on taxis it was an expensive night, but we'll remember it for a long time. If you're in the area just go. If you want to limit your costs, watch the extras.

Great food, service, wine, and close to where I live, so I'll be visiting often, it's not a place to miss out on, michelin starred chef in new start up restaurant and bar, what more could we want?