FOOD tourism in Cumbria could be set to boom after three restaurants made the top 50 of the 2017 Good Food Guide.

Simon Rogan's L'Enclume, in Cartmel, was crowned the best in the UK for the fourth year running, after securing a perfect 10 score.

Forest Side in Grasmere was ranked 37th on the influential list, the highest new entry, and was joined in the top 50 by Lake Road Kitchen in Ambleside at 49th.

L'Enclume was awarded top billing after judges were amazed by the "soaring sophistication of Mr Rogan's cooking".

Fresh ingredients grown at the restaurant's own 12-acre farm and groundbreaking flavour combinations and presentation set the popular Cartmel eatery apart from its rivals.

In particular, the guide praised the 17-course tasting menu, saying it offered "clever elements of technical wizardry to keep the 'oohs' and 'aahs' going".

Mr Rogan said: "It's amazing news to be number one for the fourth year running.

"I'm really grateful to the Good Food Guide for their faith in awarding us top spot once more, and appreciative for the enormous effect it has on our business.

"It's a huge achievement but could not happen without a massive team effort. For me, it's a privilege to lead this outstanding group of people.

"There's no doubt that L’Enclume is approaching the most creative period in its history, and achieving the quality I dreamed of when I first opened its doors."

L'Enclume is also the only restaurant in Cumbria to hold two Michelin stars.

Forest Side, set in a gothic mansion, up the 'best new entry' award and head chef Kevin Tickle, who previously worked for L'Enclume as forager and chef, has focused on clean, modern and precise cooking.

Mr Tickle said: "I'm completely blown away to be entering The Good Food Guide with such a high score in our first year, and it's the icing on the cake to win the Best New Entry award.

"I am incredibly proud of my team for helping to creating such a strong foundation from which we can progress."

Lake Road Kitchen, the third Cumbrian entry in the list, has built up a strong reputation and specialises in ageing meat and seasonal produce. It was awarded a score of six from the judges this year.

The Good Food Guide, owned by Waitrose, was first published in 1951 listing "600 places throughout Britain where you can rely on a good meal at a reasonable price".

Joining L'Enclume in the top five in the country are Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Cornwall, Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, Jason Atherton's Pollen Street Social in London and Claude Bosi's Hibiscus, also in London.

Three other notable entries from the North West are Fraiche in Prenton, Merseyside, The French in Manchester - which is another Simon Rogan venture - and the Freemasons at Wiswell, near Clitheroe in Lancashire.