Lake District Michelin-starred restaurant Source introduces customisable tasting menu under new executive chef

Michelin-starred restaurant Source, located on the picturesque premises of Gilpin Hotel in the Lake District, is entering an exciting new phase under the supervision of executive chef Ollie Bridgwater. He brings over a decade of experience working closely with Heston Blumenthal, including a significant tenure as sous chef at the iconic three-Michelin-star restaurant The Fat Duck. At Source, he focuses on locally sourced ingredients from the Lake District and Cumbria. His style, described as precise and sophisticated by the red guide, aims to steer away from over-complication.

The restaurant, which was formerly known as Hrishi, is flourishing under the chef’s direction, which has brought about a few interesting changes. Among them is the introduction of the customisable tasting menu replacing the traditional format. This allows diners the freedom of a more personalised dining experience by choosing the number of courses in their meal. Bridgwater has been praised for his ability to bring balance and harmony in his restaurant: a skill that is reflected in his dishes as well as in the kitchen’s atmosphere.

“With every dish there is always a lot of technique,” the chef explains. “It’s simple to look at on the plate but there is nothing simple about the process that it took to get it there. My training has been at three-Michelin-star level. The dishes here are simpler, but they are still really refined, and for me, they need to be as close to perfection as possible.“

The menu features a blend of distinct flavours, seasonality and sustainability, with a nod to Japanese influences. The experience is designed to be memorable and enjoyable, incorporating unexpected elements like desserts with savoury twists. Bridgwater enjoys deconstructing classic dishes to then propose his own thought-out, elevated interpretations. An example is the Lake District beef and ale, inspired by the traditional steak and ale pie but presented as a carefully crafted and aesthetically pleasing gourmet dish; or the Orkney scallop, paired with celeriac, truffle, and kelp, offering a nuanced take on lasagne with layers of roasted, simmered and fresh flavours.

Located just four miles from Windermere, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a family-owned business known for its luxurious yet unpretentious service. The hotel, which holds the AA’s 5 Red Star accreditation and two Michelin keys, provides a serene setting complemented by sophisticated cuisine and wellness amenities.

This new direction for Source at Gilpin Hotel marks a significant shift towards a more personalised experience that allows visitors to fully enjoy local produce while exploring the chef’s creative dishes.

Food Desk

For further information and to book at Source at Gilpin Hotel, Crook Road Windermere LA23 3NF, call 015394 88818 or visit the website here.