CUMBRIA'S reputation as a destination for foodies has been enhanced as two more Lake District restaurants have attained three AA rosettes for the quality of their food.

The Cottage in the Wood at Whinlatter, near Keswick, and the newcomer Forest Side, at Grasmere, have joined the exclusive club.

Forest Side's kitchen is run by Kevin Tickle, a former protege of Simon Rogan at L'Enclume, in Cartmel, who was this week named 'Chef of the Year' in the AA Hospitality Awards.

L'Enclume holds five AA rosettes and is the only Cumbrian restaurant to have two Michelin stars.

Meanwhile, the Lakes Distillery at Setmurthy, near Bassenthwaite, has been awarded 'silver' in this year’s The Vodka Masters competition, which aims to find and reward the finest vodka brands across the world.

The Lakes Vodka fought off competition from more than 100 entrants to win Silver in the Ultra Premium Vodka category, for vodkas that retail at over £25 per bottle.

It now be considered for the overall title of Grand Vodka Master 2016.