Last updated 11:24, Saturday, 22 November 2008

A north Cumbrian country house hotel has been awarded an AA Rosette for the quality of its food. And for the first time, the hotel can now boast three stars.

Overwater Hall, near Bassenthwaite Lake, has been run by Stephen Bore and husband and wife team Angela and Adrian Hyde for the past 16 years.

Angela said: “We are delighted that this year the AA have awarded us with three stars, one Red Rosette and an 80 per cent merit award.

“The Stars reflect the great improvements throughout the hotel following our refurbishment programme over the last five years. The Red Rosette reflects the excellence of the food that Adrian and his team continue to serve in our restaurant and the merit points are awarded for the service and hospitality that have become synonymous with Overwater Hall.”

Chef Adrian makes a point of sourcing as much of his food locally as possible, including scouring the local hedgerows.

The four course dinner menu costs £40 and there are special Christmas lunch and dinner menus costing £25 and £35.