Midcheshire Independent Issue 164

APRIL 2024 12 CUMBRIA has further boosted its reputation as a world-class ‘culinary capital’ after scooping 15 coveted Michelin Stars plus one Michelin Green Star across 13 restaurants. It already held the highest number of Michelin starred restaurants per county out- side London, and again has extended that record-breaking total with newcomers Cedar Tree Restaurant, at Farlam Hall and Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside both achieving the coveted Michelin star status. Michelin Star restaurants lure foodies from all corners of the globe and are famed for offering the crème de la crème of eating and din- ing experiences. Hrishikesh Desai, chef patron at Cedar Tree Res- taurant, said: “To receive a Michelin Star within a year of our new beginnings at Farlam Hall is a testament of what can be achieved if you put your mind to it. “Of course, this is not an individual effort, the entire team Farlam Hall has con- tributed towards this won- derful accolade.” A HOST of new exhibits helped The Bury Trans- port Museum at East Lancashire Railway (ELR) smash its visitor record in 2023. Train enthusiasts from all over the country flocked to see the iconic 2500 Tilbury Tank and Hudswell Clarke locomo- tive Vesta fresh from the for- mer Penrhyn Castle collection on display for the first time. These star attractions saw the museum welcome 13 per cent more visitors than the previous year, with almost 12,000 people passing through the doors. KeithWhitmore, East Lan- cashire Railway director and museum chairman, says: “In the last year museums up and down the country have faced a downturn in visiting numbers. “We’re proud that our num- bers have increased by 13 per cent despite this, and it’s down to the tireless efforts of the ELR team, and the great additions to our museum that we’ve acquired this year. “We’re looking forward to another great year for the museum, as our collection continues to grow and appeal to train enthusiasts and fam- ilies alike.” For more information about Bury Transport Museum, please visit the East Lanca- shire Railway website. BLACKPOOL’S latest big attraction is opening its doors to cinemagoers later this month. The Backlot Cinema & Diner features one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West. The screen, measuring 10.85m high and 19.87m wide, is equipped with the most advanced the- atrical experience, IMAX with Laser. Immersive by design, IMAX with Laser has been developed from the ground-up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images and precision audio for a moviegoing experience unlike anything else. At The Backlot, audiences will be able to experience the latest Hollywood releases, arthouse titles, event cinema and past big screen favourites. It has been designed to cre- ate a unique arts and enter- tainment hub for both the local community and Black- pool visitors. It will be the new place in town to host events, from corporate conferences and birthday parties to comedy nights, live gaming tourna- ments and local community meet ups. Complement i ng the big screen, The Backlot’s 100-seater diner will serve fresh burgers, hotdogs and wings, along with a delicious range of desserts, including American style pancakes, indulgent sundaes and thick milkshakes. The Backlot’s business manager, Fabio Vidotti says: “We have been busy working on building a fantastic cine- matic wonderland.” Independent TRAVEL Resort’s big screen experience Cumbria’s culinary stars shine Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tour- ism, said: “This is a spe- cial moment, both for the individual businesses and our wider status as the ulti- mate UK destination for a foodie escape. “The attainment of 16 esteemed Michelin stars in Cumbria is a truly remark- able achievement, showcas- ing our region’s exceptional landscape and abundance of locally sourced produce. “Running restaurants at continuously high stand- ards is no small feat and we undoubtedly boast the best of the best. Big congratulations to everyone involved!” She added: “As well as fine dining restaurants, we have outstanding breweries and distilleries, cosy pubs, lake- side cafes and so much more. “A vast array of talented and hard-working businesses continues to play a vital role in helping the Lake District, Cumbria to maintain its well- earned reputation as being among the very best food and drink destinations you are ever likely to find anywhere in the world.” THE full list of Michelin Stars in Cumbria now includes: • L’Enclume, Cartmel (three stars + green star) • Rogan&Co, Cartmel (one star) • Alliumat AskhamHall, Askham (one star) • Cottage in theWood, Braithwaite (one star) • CedarTree Restaurant, Brampton (one star) NEW • Old StampHouse, Ambleside (one star) • SOURCE at GilpinHotel,Windermere (one star) • Pentonbridge Inn, Penton (one star) • The Samling,Windermere (one star) • TheDog&Gun Inn, Skelton (one star) • The Forest Side, Grasmere (one star) • Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside (one star) NEW • HEFT, Newton in Cartmel (one star) Record year for rail museum