About Us

Built Without Backers
Cooking Without Compromise

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Opened in 2014 by owner and Head Chef James Cross, Lake Road Kitchen was named Best New Restaurant by the Good Food Guide. 3 AA Rosettes followed in 2016 and most recently, awarded 1 Michelin star in 2024.

James started his career at Simpsons, Birmingham (1 Star Michelin). He then travelled to  La Pergola in Rome (3 Star Michelin) to work under Chef Heinz Beck followed by a stint in New York at Per Se (3 Star Michelin) with Chef Thomas Keller.

He then spent two years working at Noma in Copenhagen and was part of the team that saw them twice retain the coveted No 1. spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards.

Moving to The Lake District in 2012, he quickly set about opening his own restaurant with no backers or investors. We remain proudly independent to this day.

JAMES CROSS - Founder & Head Chef
NICK BROWN - Senior Chef
ADRIAN CIUFI - Chef
SALLY CROSS - General Manager
DARREN JENNINGS-LOVE - Restaurant Manager
ESTELLE GABRIEL-AINSWORTH - Waitress
SANDOR KOVACS - Kitchen Porter