A Lake District-based restaurant with rooms, 1863, has firmly secured its place within the national food scene. Yesterday, Monday 25 September, the young and dynamic team led by Head Chef and Business Partner, Phil Corrie, received a coveted third AA Rosette at a star-studded, AA Hospitality Awards ceremony hosted by Claudia Winkleman, held at London’s iconic Grosvenor House.
From a culinary perspective, this third rosette puts 1863 into the top 10% of restaurants listed in the AA Guide. The AA Rosette scheme has long been established and successfully recognises cooking at different levels nationwide. The success in achieving Rosettes is based on multiple visits to the restaurant by a team of inspectors who have an unrivalled wealth of experience in assessing culinary excellence.
In their report, the AA inspector remarked that:
“Great skill and technique can be seen [in Phil’s cooking]” and “It is wonderful to be able to look back at the journey that [1863 Restaurant] has been on and to see the improvements that have been made over those years. This is a destination dining experience with wonderful provenance used along with accurate timing as well as thought and imagination given to the marriage of flavours.”
This accolade recognises the Ullswater restaurant’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional dining experience that showcases innovative, seasonal cooking served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The team hope that this achievement will further establish 1863 as a destination for food enthusiasts and travellers from all over the UK and beyond seeking a remarkable dining experience in the Lake District.
On news of the AA announcement, Phil commented:
“I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a tear or ten at the news that we’d been awarded a third AA rosette. It’s been a tough couple of years, coming through Covid and the inevitable challenges post-Covid presented in terms of staffing and cost of living crisis that has undoubtedly impacted the hospitality sector. But I’m just so proud of what we’re doing here and industry recognition in the form of awards is really very gratifying. The team are all working so hard and pulling together and I think customers see that and appreciate it. This award truly is a testament of passion and dedication of everyone involved, both past and present.”
When asked what 2024 holds, Phil is playing his cards close to his chest. This talented chef and graduate of Kendal College will undoubtedly ‘keep pushing’ – continually striving for better. However, right now, the focus is on the run up to Christmas and winter months ahead.