The Old Stamp House Restaurant in South Lakeland

A lovely taster menu with well-sourced produce, kept coming quickly so 10 courses didn't stretch out. Well-chosen wine accompaniments.

Absolutely 5-star food, service and atmosphere. Excellent value for such fabulous fare.

What an Amazing experience.9 course tasting menu a treat from my son & daughter - in -law. Fabulous wines & the best expresso martini. Would definitely recommend.

Stunning restaurant showcasing local produce presented brilliantly.

Third time coming over from Newcastle to dine. Love the place. It was full We had a good chat to Ryan about, of all things, Electric Vehicles. Service and food excellent.

Fabulous very special 5* dinning experience amazing Michelin food served in lovely friendly surroundings without any pomp or snobbery. Made my birthday a special memory with the Chef making time to chat with every diner such a lovely touch. Will be back if we can get in again very busy.

We have been waiting to eat at The Old Stamp House in Ambleside for a long time and when we finally made it we were not disappointed. The food was exquisite, the service faultless. The sommelier's choice of wines to accompany the dishes was perfect and quite frankly, unparalleled. It was wonderful to meet Ryan, the amazing chef, when he brought the main course to the table, an excellent idea and welcome addition to the meal. This gave us an opportunity to discuss many topics not solely the food and to discover a number of shared interests... (YNWA!!) Last but not least, we would like to thank Olivia for her warm and friendly welcome, her attentive service throughout and her engaging conversation. We cannot wait to return. Paul and Laraine Cousins One cautionary note. If you are over six foot tall be aware of some of the beautiful old and original low beams in certain areas which I discovered to my cost. 🤕😂

Absolutely amazing, a complete gastronomical delight. We'll definitely be back. Thank you everyone for a fantastic experience at The Old Stamp House.

This was our second time at The Old Stamp House. It has been excellent on both occasions. Delicious inventive dishes from excellent local produce. Sublime cooking in a relaxed comfortable setting. We'll be back a third time.

I had lost faith in taster menus this was exceptional.

What a perfectly delicious meal ,we had the tasting menu and wine flight , all the dishes were delicious interesting, and well thought out . The wine parings just perfect 👌. It is a treat as quite pricey, but you get what you pay for and more Thank you Ryan and all the team

Going to keep this short and sweet! Our 3rd and each and everytime, the food is well thought out, well balanced and consistently superb. Nice chat with Ryan reminiscing about his time in Hetton doing his training, he claims not to have much banter, but he is a lovely humble fella and interesting to talk to. Absolutely brilliant, thank you all and see you next year!

Excellent restaurant fabulous food and service

Outstanding. The Old Stamp House did not disappoint! A wonderful culinary journey through Cumbria. Staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, and the food was exceptional. A must visit when in the Lakes!

The best meal we had in the Lake District by some considerable margin - and we visited three others at comparable price points, one of which also had a Michelin star. The food was sublime, service friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and un-stuffy, and the surroundings were very nice. Anybody used to dining out in London would be delighted by the uncrowded layout of tables in this historic building. The fact that so many of the ingredients are locally sourced is just a bonus. Highly recommended.

What an eventful weekend we have just had spent with lovely friends. Our very first time in a Mitchelin star restaurant. It took us on a culinary journey (and it was a journey) we will never forget. Old Stone House, which is located in the charming town of Ambleside, gave us the finest cuisine we have ever sampled. Whether you are a foodie or not you can not fail to be impressed. When shown to our table a personalised letter from the chef, Ryan Blackburn, was waiting for us, sealed in wax, what a very special touch. Everything is freshly cooked, locally sourced ingredients all carefully crafted (works of art and I would go as far as to say masterpieces). Service second to non (even the head chef and owner Ryan comes to the table which was a welcome personal touch). It was a lunchtime booking but walking into this hidden gem of a restaurant you would actually think it was evening with the intimate ambiance, the lighting and the beautiful table candles (which weren't actual candles, just exquisitely made pieces of art made in a way that reflected the light to resemble candlelight). We all enjoyed each delicious course that came along, accompanied by a very nice Rioja wine. I was excited to see bone broth on the menu - it's a low carb / intermittent fasting favourite that I actually haven't tried before. It was as delicious as I had anticipated. Who would have thought something so simple could be so damn tasty 😋 After the most amazing dessert we decided to push the boat out and ordered a selection of local cheeses to share, which came with home made biscuits - we paired the cheese with an aged tawny port. What a wonderful experience. Our first Michelin Star restaurant but definitely not the last.

What an eventful weekend we have just had spent with lovely friends. Our very first time in a Mitchelin star restaurant. It took us on a culinary journey (and it was a journey) we will never forget. Old Stone House, which is located in the charming town of Ambleside, gave us the finest cuisine we have ever sampled. Whether you are a foodie or not you can not fail to be impressed. When shown to our table a personalised letter from the chef, Ryan Blackburn, was waiting for us, sealed in wax, what a very special touch. Everything is freshly cooked, locally sourced ingredients all carefully crafted (works of art and I would go as far as to say masterpieces). Service second to non (even the head chef and owner Ryan comes to the table which was a welcome personal touch). It was a lunchtime booking but walking into this hidden gem of a restaurant you would actually think it was evening with the intimate ambiance, the lighting and the beautiful table candles (which weren't actual candles, just exquisitely made pieces of art made in a way that reflected the light to resemble candlelight). We all enjoyed each delicious course that came along, accompanied by a very nice Rioja wine. I was excited to see bone broth on the menu - it's a low carb / intermittent fasting favourite that I actually haven't tried before. It was as delicious as I had anticipated. Who would have thought something so simple could be so damn tasty 😋 After the most amazing dessert we decided to push the boat out and ordered a selection of local cheeses to share, which came with home made biscuits - we paired the cheese with an aged tawny port. What a wonderful experience. Our first Michelin Star restaurant but hopefully not the last.

We had such a special lunch here yesterday. The service was warm and welcoming and the food was delicious and beautifully presented. Would recommend!

This has to be one of the best value fine dining set menus around. Fifty-five notes for the most sublime combination of outstanding food is close to ridiculous. Service is friendly and attentive. Laurence the Transylvanian sommelier is particularly good.

What an excellent evening. Food was exquisite, service exemplary. Thoroughly recommend it here.

What is there to say? We have been able to eat at several Michelin starred restaurants, including a 2 starred one, but the Old Stamp House surpassed all of them. Ryan's dedication to his Cumbrian sources was demonstrated in his menu which resulted in a wonderful attack on all of your senses. Sorry to be effusive but it really was that good! We enjoyed every course from start to finish with all manner of tastes, textures and smells. If you are able to do so please support a chef and his staff who are passionate about Cumbria and its wonderful foods.

Perfect food and perfect service. Ryan, his brother and the staff should be very proud. We had the 7 course tasting lunch and it was just amazing. We will be back

An exceptional dining experience! The Old Stamp House offers a beautifully curated menu that highlights the best of Cumbrian ingredients. Every dish is a creative masterpiece, showcasing local flavors with precision and flair. The intimate atmosphere in a historic setting adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for food lovers. The service was top-notch, attentive, and friendly. A must-visit if you're in the Lake District—truly deserving of its Michelin star!

Good food, good customer service as well. Really enjoyed with my wife.

"The food here is absolutely amazing, and the service is outstanding. The staff are incredibly well-equipped and knowledgeable, making the entire experience even better. I would definitely love to come back!"

Beautiful food and service, will definitely be visiting again.

Great service and food was tasty

this is one of the best food places i have ever been and i have lived in the uk for 26 years this food is world class thanks so much

This was a lovely experience, I will be coming again very soon. Honestly best restaurant I’ve been to in a while.

Very simply this is the best meal either of us have had. The service was perfect. The food was so special and cannot be faulted. The Chef came to chat to us and was so welcoming. The wine list was excellent. Considering the number of courses and the quality we are surprised it wasn’t more expensive. We will be back.

Beautiful food and lively atmosphere

Couldn't fault the service, the food, and the atmosphere. The young lady who served us was more than helpful considering our needs 👍.

Brilliant dining experience would recommend to anyone and I will definitely be coming back

Very good food and courteous staff

Fantastic place, with lovely and fresh food will defo recommend

Good place. Services are great.

Brilliant service. Staff great and polite. Definitely going back

Located in the charming town of Ambleside, The Old Stamp House Restaurant is a hidden gem nestled on Church Street. The restaurant's historical setting adds a unique touch to the dining experience, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. The Old Stamp House offers a cozy and intimate ambiance, perfect for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The menu at The Old Stamp House Restaurant showcases a delightful fusion of traditional and modern British cuisine. Each dish is carefully crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the flavors of the region. From the beautifully presented starters to the mouthwatering mains and decadent desserts, every bite tells a story of culinary expertise and passion. The attentive and knowledgeable staff at The Old Stamp House Restaurant elevate the dining experience, providing top-notch service with a personal touch. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable meal, The Old Stamp House Restaurant excels in delivering a gastronomic journey that will leave you wanting to come back for more.

Great restaurant and service, exquisite food. Would definitely go again

Very nice place, excellent food and friendly staff

"I had a fantastic dining experience at The Old Stamp House. The ambiance was warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal. The food was delicious, with each dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The staff was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed. I especially loved all the food, which was a standout. Overall, a wonderful place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Highly recommend!"

this place has great food loved every min

The resturant has a good atmospher and great service. The foods are so delecues and enough. I like cold drinks they serve!

Great atmosphere and menu choices!

Well this did not disappoint from the moment we walked through the door. Greeted by the owner who had rang the week before to inform us it was a fixed menu, which we new anyway, he also asked of any allergies and if the meal was for a special occasion, and it was our 25th wedding anniversary. Numerous times throughout the meal waiting staff congratulated us on our anniversary which we thought was a very nice personal touch. We opted for the wine pairing at £60 per head and each of the Severn small glasses of wine were served by the owner with a description and reason it was chosen to be paired with each dish. First three courses were very small appetizers with amazing flavor and set up the rest of the meal perfectly. the crab dish was our favorite and how so much flavor can be packed into this dish is unbelievable. All ten courses were exceptional including the two deserts, the last of which was served on a plate with happy anniversary written very cleverly in chocolate. Absolutely the best restaurant and food experience we have every had and overall very good value for money.

Lovely afternoon meal with relaxing surroundings and service. Good value.

A great meal where every single detail was taken care of. Matched with good wines. The staff was knowledgeable and had just the perfect mix of being professional and personal. An extra bonus was the letter with the desciption of every single part of the tasting menu. We highly recommend this restaurant if in Ambleside (or the neighbourhood).

One of my friend suggested this restaurant. He got an amazing experience.

Gorgeous food...fantastic treat. Staff excellent

My husband and I visited last Saturday, our second visit this year, from the second we walked in the door we felt relaxed and welcomed , beautiful surroundings and some truly amazing food (the beetroot meringue with duck liver is beyond words)all of which is explained at beginning of each course by very friendly knowledgeable staff, as well as eating amazing food we receive a letter at the table explaining the reasoning behind every locally sourced course, Cant wait to visit again

What a little Gem in the middle of Ambleside and believe you would walk past it if you didn't know it was there. Book early to avoid disappointment. This is a whole dining experience, staff are superb, attentive and super informative, food is out of this world, though the wife didn't enjoy the Hoggart Fudge, however, lucky for me as I loved it. Would highly recommend this West Cumbrian delight and will certainly be going back for second helpings.

Had an amazing night, food was delicious & service was 100%,friendly, knowledgeable staff in a nice atmosphere

Was taken by my farther for a birthday treat; What treat from the envelope stamp sealed menu address in name to my dad detailing every course, the food itself was just fantastic every corse just got better and better, The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the food they were serving.

I am not a foodie (whatever that is supposed to mean), my mum was an Irish school dinner lady so we had potatoes and bread all the time. I have been coming to Ambleside once a year for many years and always walk past the Old Stamp but never thought of booking. Recently our local pub (down south) was charging £27 for a main, £9 for dessert plus a service charge, so I thought £55 for a 7-course lunch tasting menu was worth trying at that price. I did not know what to expect and was a bit concerned I would not enjoy the meal but now I do appreciate the difference between pub food and a restaurant with a Michelin star. The service and attention to detail was outstanding and even though the portions are small we were full before the dessert came out. The standout course was the Bay Potted Shrimps, but everything was excellent.

Outstanding dinning experience. Never had better food. Excellent

I had lunch at The Stamp House in Ambleside Saturday 22 June, with family and friends. It was a birthday treat and oh my word, was it that and more. I savoured every mouthful of every dish - each one of them amazing. It was a fabulous experience and one I will definitely be repeating. Thank you to the Chef and all the Stamp House team for helping to make my 66th birthday such a memorable one.

Allways good for a stop super facilities

Amazing food , very knowledgable front of house, great wine. Didnt have one bad dish

Absolutely stunning tasting menu. Every bit of the evening’s dining was amazing from the menu and the little narrative telling you about each course, the staff were all knowledge on the food being served. The restaurant itself is spacious and well designed.

Well. This was rather awesome. And so it should be as it was very expensive, and the food was deserved of the cost. We went as a 4, and 2 of us had the wine flight. Taster menu of course. LOVED the staff. In particular were 2 lads (brown hair, glasses, slim build , and very young in my perception) who introduced the courses. They hit the sweet spot of humour and professionalism, which, whether natural or by design, made the meal more enjoyable. If the owner reads this, then please compliment them because they truly were a cut above. Many different courses came, all of which can be seen in the photos, and all of which I would have happily eaten twice over. My favourite was a variation on a duck filled bao bun, which was stunning, and the bread served on the side. Heavenly. Wine was excellent. Each pairing was introduced brilliantly and enhanced the course. We finished with a cheese course and I had the smoothest Jamaica blue coffee that I've ever had. In conclusion, this place knows what they are doing. They deserve their star, and there was no part of the meal I didn't like. Would I come again? Oh yes, in a heartbeat. Was it worth it? Every penny.

Stunning food, served with style in a historical building with atmosphere. Indulgent. Delicious. The best of everything! The menu here changes with the seasons, to show-case local produce in a style that is rarely experienced outside of London or the big cities, such a special place, if you are a ‘foodie’ it’s a heavenly restaurant to dine in and the letter to guests, giving all the background and provenance is a delight….. small plates, so many of them, building up by a feast for both the tummy and the senses! We love it here.

I visited here recently for my birthday as a special occasion. Everything was faultless from start to finish. The attention to detail was sublime, really made you feel special & you can clearly see they are passionate about the food they provide. The owner came to chat to every table when bringing some of the dishes. They should be really proud of what they have achieved here.

Best restaurant experience, ever. It was amazing. Food was delicious, original recipes, and all locally sourced. Service was also great. You receive a lot of info about the meal by way of a letter - this promoted me to ask a question about something in the letter the chef actually came out and answered when delivering our main. Ryan is really knowledgeable and passionate about his food and the local environment and farmers etc. For a bit extra you can opt for a non-alcoholic pairing for dinner, which was delicious. I'm not aware of any other restaurants doing this and goes to show how thoughtful Ryan and his team are. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Well, what can I say ? This restaurant, staff and food are excellent. We were having a break in the Lake District and I booked this back in January. We were certainly not disappointed. It is a smart, but not stuffy restaurant. Very accommodating and knowledgeable on the food they cook and where it comes from. The taster menu was absolutely mouth watering. They also offer a wine pairing for each course. Sadly I was on medication so they offered me a non alcoholic version. To be honest I think I actually preferred it. Each different drink, complemented the course so well, whoever put it together was extremely clever. I only wish this restaurant was nearer to me as I would be regular visitor. I will certainly book again if we are planning another trip.

Excellent food and service. I ate things I never thought I would say so good was the presentation and taste. Will return and definitely recommend.

This restaurant is a triumph in every sense of the world. Great service, ambience and food to die for. Every dish is considered, every dish shows of what Cumbria has to offer and what it's known for. The Artic Char dish is absolutely star of the show. The cheese offering post dinner is great for those with healthy appetites and room in trousers to spare. This could easily be a two star, I think it's only a matter of time.

We were all delighted by our trip to the Old Stamp House. We hadn't known what to expect but every course was delicious and beautifully constructed - each was a little piece of artwork in itself. My party had some food intolerances which were deftly accommodated without fuss. The staff were so attentive and we were delighted when Ryan, the proprieter and head chef, brought out one course and explained the dish to us. We also found the letter you receive at the beginning talking you through every dish and where your food came from a super touch. We will definitely go again and will recommend to everyone we know.

Superb. Definitely best meal ever (and we've eaten in quite a few 2 & 3 Michelin starred restaurants as well as loads of 1 stars.

The service at The Old Stamp House is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience. They are always ready to assist with menu recommendations and ensure that your every need is catered to.

Amazing every time - never disappointed

A birthday treat & a gem of a Restarant not to be missed !! We thoroughly enjoyed my birthday lunch. The food was absolutely delicious in a perfect romantic ambience. Craig personally checked on our satisfaction and we’ll definitely be returning. We cannot recommend enough. Thank you !!

My Girlfriend brought me here as a birthday surprise back in January, and it did not disappoint. Great food & service, lovely atmosphere. Best birthday surprise I have ever had and would do it all over again here in the Lake District. 😊

Excellent all round. Food was superb. Service was excellent and the staff were very friendly and professional. Not stuffy at all unlike some other Michelin-starred restaurants. Highly recommended.

I think it has 3 separate rooms which each hold just a few tables so feels small and intimate, the staff were really good and helpful, food was outstanding, the potted shrimp course was perfect. Definitely recommend it.

Great meal. Lovely owner. Most food sourced locally. Bit disappointed with wine flights. We had two. £60 and £80. The first whites were forgettable. One white was disgusting. Tasted and smelled of petrol. ??? Both reds we tasted were harsh and not pleasant. Pudding wine at end of meal was fantastic. Couldn’t hear a word of the rushed descriptions of the wines due to background noise. Surely a printed sheet would be more suitable. If food is sourced locally to save air miles. Why fly in mediocre wines from the other side of the world. When Europe and uk now has thousands of award winning wines both still and sparkling. Also please supply A TEASPOON to eat your delicious small portions as spoons supplied are ridiculous for size of dishes. Good luck with your upstairs venture. Regards. Paul.

Excellent lunch yesterday, the menu catered for our requirements. The food was exceptional as was the service and the chef came out and explained the main dishes and took the time to chat to every table. Truly excellent and if I’m up in Ambleside again I will book again.

A culinary masterpiece awaits you at The Old Stamp House Restaurant, where flavors are elevated to new heights. Amazing Foods..

We had the £95 pp tasting menu which was an absolute delight. Each course was carefully served and described and what a wow. Totally deserving of its Michelin star. Wine list was interesting with a broad range of tastes and prices. Also tried the cocktails which were very nice. We really enjoyed it when the owner and chef came to the table to serve the main course and have a chat. Will definitely be back here again ❤️

Loved the look of the restaurant, great atmosphere. Really enjoyed all the courses and staff were very good. Some nice touches like the menu presentation etc. added to the experience. We travelled from the south and compared to dining in London felt the price was good value.

Outstanding, a rare treat for my fiance's birthday. Amazing attention to detail and just a really great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Absolutely flawless food, service, ambience. All topped off by the chef having a chat with every table. Every course was a ten and the attention to detail is obvious. Definitely not to be missed if you’re looking for fine dining in the Lakes. Should be more than one star.

Absolutely loved our meal here last night. It was the perfect way to end our week in the lake district. We got to try many of the Michelin pubs/restaurants in the area and found our dinner here to be the most memorable. Warm and lovely service, great cooking, super local produce and very accommodating staff. I had requested to swap their signature hogget dish as I'm allergic to lamb and was given a delightful cod main instead. I will dream of that cod cookery! It was perfection. It was also lovely to meet the chef Ryan who came out to serve us the mains. What a fabulous touch! We will definitely be back here the next time we visit the Lake District.

The serving staff were excellent, very attentive, remembered preferences we had, was the only person to apologise for the hotel front staff. THANK YOU julian, lovely waitress

We ate here on Saturday and the food was amazing. The staff were all lovely. Very laid back and unassuming,

An absolutely incredible experience. The food was wonderful and the staff were lovely. The personal touches are a great hit - you're greeted with a letter explaining each dish and then they'd seen a birthday gift on the table so they "happy birthday" around dessert was such a lovely surprise. This is a definite must visit if you're looking for a wonderful culinary experience in the Lake District.

The Old Stamp House Ambleside Excellent lunch. Tasty and well presented. The rabbit canneloni was good, the steamed halibut superb, the hogget full of flavour and the rhubarb dessert delicious. Price at £55 very good too for lunch.

Third visit and still as good as ever. Every course cooked to perfection, just the right amount for lunch. At £55 fantastic value, we will be back again next time we are in the area. Highly recommended.

We really enjoyed all the fantastic, locally sourced creations from Ryan. It was nice to have a course served by the man himself and a quick chat. Service is excellent. Only gripe is a general one. Wine is a rip off. Overall a great experience.

The most amazing experience, and that's what a visit to The Old Stamp House is - an experience. There's a story behind everything, and every person involved in the story is great - knowledgeable, genuine, passionate, and friendly. The food is just fantastic, with almost each mouthful tasting different and such amazing flavour, texture, and balance.

Enjoyed the meal and flavours, something missing with the bread, which is like a brioche too sweet, the desserts enjoyable. The meat and fish dishes excellent however the sweetness or sugar out weighed the whole meal, which seems to have changed from the savoury to more a sickly sweet menu.

Spoilt me for any future meals out! So Brilliant it made me giddy! Outstanding in every way - save your pennies and book in advance, they will not let you down - Chef Ryan is exceptional

How Ryan gets so much flavour into his dishes is a mystery to me. He must be a magician! We had the lunch menu earlier this week and it was fantastic! All of it was amazing from the very first course. Stand outs for me were the last three courses of fish, venison and finally dessert. Atmosphere was cozy, place was full and so had a little buzz about it but the way the tables are laid out and the lighting is done it allows you to also be close to your partner and focus on the food. Staff are all super friendly and meeting Ryan was ace! This is now on our to do list every time we visit the Lakes!

Well, I debated whether to write this given all the wonderful reviews, but honesty is the name of the game here! Hubby's 60th so a long weekend in Ambleside planned. I booked 3 months in advance given the super reviews of this Michelin starred restaurant....

Exquisite food, with wonderful flavours and presentation, using seasonal and local produce. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and the service was very kind, professional and friendly. The chef took time out to attend to our table, and deserves much credit for the menu. Upon informing the venue of the multiple dietary requirements of the 4 people of our 6 person table, they went out of their way to accommodate our requests, and without compromising the quality of the food. We would highly recommend this venue for those who enjoy their food in a relaxed setting.

Absolutely stunning in every way! Cannot recommend highly enough. Had been waiting in anticipation for a few months and was truly blown away by the food and service. The food was incredible; beautifully presented and totally delicious. Every single course was incredible . Loved the...

Top restaurant in the area, great service and food

We have never been to a Michelin star restaurant before so we were unsure as what to expect, but we had a lovely warm greeting from the staff. As soon as you walk in it has a cosy, romantic atmosphere. As we had never eaten...

Sampled a delightful tasting menu 'A Journey Around Cumbria' which delighted throughout with mouth watering dishes sourced locally. It was devine. Can't praise it enough.

Absolutely fantastic experience, we had the dinner tasting menu together with the matching wine. The ambience in the restaurant was lovely, very relaxed but with exemplary service. It was a real treat, to celebrate a special occassion. Both the food and wine were outstanding.

Great restaurant with attentive service and amazing dishes!