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Langdale Chase is pleased to announce the appointment of Executive Chef Michael Cole and General Manager Mike Vincent as part of the team ahead of the grand reopening of the Lake District retreat in November, following an extensive refurbishment of the property. Owned by Daniel Thwaites, the family-owned hospitality business is renovating the Grade II listed building and its gardens into a contemporary hotel like no other in the Lake District.

Heading up a two AA Rosette-awarded restaurant housed in the main building with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Windermere and the Coniston Fells, Executive Chef Michael Cole has crafted a menu centered around classic British cuisine, inspired by the Lake District and the surrounding coastline. Executive Chef Michael Cole looks forward to bringing each dish to life using quality local ingredients with gourmet twists on classic British staples for his debut menu at Langdale Chase.

Michael Cole is a member of professional chefs’ association, The Master Chefs of Great Britain, and with 27 years of experience – including positions internationally with Starwood Hotels – brings a wealth of culinary knowledge to Langdale Chase.Expressing dedication and passion for his skill throughout his career and transforming the way in which British cuisine is interpreted, Executive Chef Michael Cole aims to create a menu of classic, wholesome dishes with innovative gourmet touches.

On his appointment, Michael Cole commented:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be heading up Langdale Chase’s restaurant and putting my stamp on the relaunch of this incredible hotel. I am lucky to have access to the top-quality fish, wild produce and seasonal ingredients the Cumbrian coastline and surrounding farms have to offer, which has enabled me to create an unforgettable menu that prompts guests to remember their meal long after they have left.”

Mike Vincent returns to Langdale Chase as General Manager, bringing with him an impressive 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector. Mike has worked with both smaller independent Relais and Chateaux and Michelin Star style businesses, and has held senior positions in Daniel Thwaites properties over the past seven years. Having worked as General Manager at Langdale Chase between 2017 and 2019, Mike is passionate about the Lake District’s tourist credentials – and is a member of Lake District Hotelier’s Association (LDHA). Most recently at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, he achieved a AA Silver Star Award in 2021, retaining it in 2022.

Commenting on his return to Langdale Chase, Mike Vincent said:

“I’m really looking forward to rejoining the Langdale family and helping to provide the warm, authentic, hospitality that Daniel Thwaites prides itself on. The new refurbishment will undoubtably catapult this landmark hotel into the top tier of Lake District destinations. I have no doubt that the relaunch of Langdale Chase will be a huge success and I’m excited to be part of the passionate team here once again.”

What’s on the menu? Hero dishes by Chef Michael Cole

With Executive Chef Michael Cole’s appointment there are some exciting new culinary updates with Langdale Chase’s reopening. Sunday lunch will feature a signature Beef Wellington – which boasts a harmonious blend of succulent dexter beef fillet (sourced only a few miles from the hotel at Old Stoddah Farm), duxelles of mushrooms, and a delicate puff pastry creating a fusion of flavours and textures that are sure to captivate guests’ palates.

The new Lounge menu will include a melt-in-your-mouth New England Lobster Roll, and classics with a modern twist like the Langdale Chowder, served alongside Morecambe Bay shrimps, scallops, salmon and mussels, lardons of smoked bacon, and tender new potatoes, while a Chicken Pie featuring succulent pieces of Goosnargh chicken will be paired with leeks, smoked ham and a creamy sauce. The Dining Room will also offer seasonal show stopping desserts that reflect the flavours of each season, kicking off with a beautifully sharp but sweet sensational Passionfruit Souffle to finish any meal on a high.

Lastly, in celebration of the literary connection between Langdale Chase Hotel and Arthur Ransome’s children’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’, Chef Cole has also created a unique Langdale ‘Swallows and Amazons’ Afternoon Tea.