Last night, The Forest Side in Grasmere was awarded the coveted 5 AA Rosettes, one of the highest honours in UK dining, marking yet another extraordinary achievement for Forest Side and the Lake District’s culinary scene. This distinction places The Forest Side among an elite group of fewer than 20 restaurants in the entire country and makes it the second restaurant in Cumbria to hold this accolade alongside Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume.
The award is the latest in a remarkable string of accomplishments for The Forest Side under the leadership of Head Chef Paul Leonard and General Manager Alasdair Elwick. Over the past year alone, Leonard and his team have consistently pushed boundaries, combining creative, clever and imaginative cooking with a commitment to sustainability and unparalleled hospitality.
Notable achievements include:
- AA’s Hotel of the Year 2023 (September)
- 1 Michelin Star retained
- SquareMeal Top 10 Restaurants in the UK 2024
- #49 SquareMeal Top 100 Restaurants in the UK 2025
- #55 in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence
- #4 in the UK at the Global We Are Smart Awards
- Scoring 90.0 in La Liste 2024
- #32 in the Hardens 100 2024, voted by diners nationwide
In addition, Leonard was named Chef of the Year at the Cumbrian Food Awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025, a recognition of his personal impact on the region’s gastronomic prestige. The Forest Side also proudly received a Michelin Key last October, an international accolade acknowledging exceptional service and sustainable practices.
Speaking of the award, owner Andrew Wildsmith says:
“I’m absolutely delighted that The Forest Side has been awarded five AA Rosettes. This is an incredible honour and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Over the past six years, Paul and Alasdair have taken the original vision for The Forest Side and brought it to life in ways that have gone beyond expectation. I’m deeply grateful for their talent, commitment and leadership, and am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Head Chef Paul Leonard said:
“To receive 5 AA Rosettes is an honour beyond words. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team, the quality of our local suppliers, and our passion for showcasing the very best of the Lake District.”
General Manager Alasdair Elwick added:
“Being awarded 5 AA Rosettes is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the passion, precision, and dedication of our entire team. This recognition inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, crafting exceptional experiences, and celebrating the very best of culinary excellence.”
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, expressed his pride in the resilience and creativity shown by the UK’s hospitality sector in 2025
“This celebration highlights the passion, creativity and resilience that define UK hospitality. The teams have turned challenges into opportunities, inspiring us with their innovation and dedication. Congratulations to all winners, nominees and new Rosette holders – your achievements deserve recognition today and set a shining example for the future of our industry.”
To read about all the Hospitality Awards winners, visit the website here.
This recognition cements The Forest Side’s position at the forefront of sustainable fine dining and shines an even brighter spotlight on the Lake District as a world-class culinary destination.
Kitchen Porter of the Month recognising an array of talent from across our industry
