An Exciting Culinary Future for Linthwaite House
We are thrilled to share that the Leeu Collection’s flagship UK property, Linthwaite House, is welcoming two new chefs to lead the culinary experience at the luxurious Lake District hotel.
The casual Bar and Conservatory menu, featuring the hotel's breakfast, all-day options, and bar snacks, will be curated by Head Chef Gerald van der Walt. Meanwhile, the fine dining restaurant, Henrock, under the helm of renowned chef Simon Rogan, will be led by Head Chef Mark McCabe.
Mark, who is originally from Scotland, is preparing to bring a wealth of experience and sustainability-minded ethos to the Henrock kitchen, accumulated during his time at The Ethicurean, which received a Michelin Green Star under his stewardship in 2022. Prior to his time at The Ethicurean, Mark was part of the team at Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage in Dorset, after training in kitchens in Paris as well as Lancashire.
Hailing from South Africa, Gerald has previously served as the head chef at The Greenhouse in Cape Town and Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek. More recently, he worked alongside Simon Rogan at Aulis and Rogan & Co. At The Bar and Conservatory, Gerald has created a series of inspired informal menus, each thoughtfully crafted to deliver flavoursome choices, including…
A Hearty Country-Style Breakfast
Resident guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast experience featuring an array of healthy choices, from fresh fruits to cereals. The menu showcases signature dishes that will elevate your morning, such as natural yoghurt accompanied by your choice of succulent figs in syrup, tea-soaked prunes, or vibrant fresh berries.
For those seeking a heartier start to the day, Linthwaite's signature cooked breakfast awaits, crafted with the finest locally sourced ingredients. Revel in the flavours of locally reared cured bacon, Cumberland sausage, Stornoway black pudding, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, homemade hash browns and baked beans, all served alongside your preferred local free-range eggs.
A Fresh Take on The Classics
Delight your palate with the all-day dining menu at The Bar & Conservatory, where starters tempt with choices like the Lobster Roll – poached lobster paired with juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise, and delectable scraps, all nestled within a toasted brioche. Alternatively, indulge in the Oxtail Fritter, featuring crispy fried slow-cooked oxtail, accompanied by smoked tomato purée, pickled fennel, and roasted shallots.
Moving on to mains, guests can savour the Pan-Roasted Cod resting on a bed of white bean stew, wilted greens, and a flavorful miso broth. For a classic yet satisfying option, the Cheese and Bacon Burger awaits, adorned with crispy lettuce, tomato, gherkin, and relish, all embraced by a toasted brioche and accompanied by a generous serving of triple-cooked chips.
Rounded off with desserts such as Warm Chocolate Pudding, decadently soft centred and filled with brandy-soaked raisins, topped with pecan brittle, and served alongside velvety vanilla ice cream. Alternatively, the Lemon Meringue Choux Bun awaits, featuring a choux bun filled with lemon custard and curd, crowned with beautifully burnt meringue.
A Nibble in Between
The Bar Snack menu offers a variety of light bites and nibbles, including roasted meatballs in tomato sauce, pickled radishes with smoked mackerel, and a cream cheese dip. Additionally, there is a charcuterie and cheese platter featuring locally sourced meats and cheeses. This delightful spread is served with homemade chutneys, pickles and sourdough crackers.
A Sundowner Like No Other
Enhancing the all-day and bar snack menus is an artfully curated cocktail selection by Linthwaite's resident mixologist. Indulge in the timeless allure of the Classic Bramble, crafted with berry-infused gin, fresh blackberries, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of Cassis. For a delightful twist, savour the Lemon Cheesecake cocktail, featuring Amalfi coast limoncello, citrus-infused vodka, tangy lemon curd, and a homemade gingerbread syrup.
“We are hugely excited by the arrival of Gerald van der Walt at Linthwaite’s Bar and Conservatory and Mark McCabe at Henrock. Both chef appointments provide our guests with a tremendous opportunity to experience complimentary but very different culinary repertoires. Gerald’s dishes use the very best British produce, which he combines with influences and flavours from his culinary travels, providing a relaxed dining offer contrasting the seasonal gastronomic experiences delivered by Mark in Linthwaite’s fine dining restaurant, Henrock,’’ shares Karen Irving, Linthwaite House General Manager.
Sam Ward, Managing Director of Simon Rogan's restaurants, adds: ''It's great to see Linthwaite House employ Gerald van der Walt, a Simon Rogan alumnus. Gerald is a hugely experienced chef whose culinary insight will play an important part in delivering Linthwaite's Bar & Conservatory food and beverage service. His informal menus will only help to enhance the overall guest experience at the hotel, whilst firmly supporting the seasonal fine dining offer provided by Mark McCabe at Henrock.’’
Guests and day visitors can fully immerse themselves in The Bar & Conservatory ambiance, choosing from the comfort of relaxed couches, intimate tables, or the inviting bar. On warmer evenings, the experience expands to the expansive wrap-around terrace, providing breathtaking views of Windermere and the Coniston Fells. The all-day menu is available on Monday and Tuesday, while drinks and bar snacks can be enjoyed from Monday to Sunday, between noon and 11 pm.
Ready to experience the charm of the Lake District like never before?
Reach out to our dedicated guest liaison team to secure your reservation or book your table at The Bar and Conservatory for an unforgettable experience of Linthwaite House.
