The Old Stamp House

Housed in the historic building that once served as William Wordsworth’s stamp distribution office, The Old Stamp House, Ambleside, is overseen by chef Ryan Blackburn and his brother Craig, who manages the front of house – a partnership rooted in a family long connected to Cumbrian hospitality. Before opening their own restaurant, Ryan honed his craft at renowned establishments such as The Cottage in the Wood, Holbeck Ghyll, and Restaurant Martin Wishart in Edinburgh.

A Taste of The Old Stamp House

With a focus on the freshest local produce, The Old Stamp House offers a seasonal, ever-evolving menu that celebrates Cumbria’s rich culinary traditions, its people, and its deep-rooted culture. Chef Ryan’s six-course set menu is a love letter to the region, divided into themes like The Lakes, The Fields, The Fells, and The Hedgerows. Dishes change with the seasons, but the meal often ends on a nostalgic note, usually a dessert inspired by Grasmere’s world-famous gingerbread, a fitting tribute to both place and tradition.

Below is a selection of photographs showcasing some of The Old Stamp House’s standout dishes from earlier this year.

Turbot with asparagus, morels, brown butter sabayon and chicken crackling

Artic charr

Sticky toffee pudding

Chef Ryan’s work has earned numerous accolades: a Michelin Star retained since 2019, three AA Rosettes, Cumbria Life Chef of the Year, and recognition in Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best,” the Good Food Guide, Harden’s Top 100, and the Kuits list of influential northern hospitality leaders. In 2024, he received the JRE Innovation Award for his commitment to creative, heritage-driven cuisine.

Discover more about The Old Stamp House and book a table through the links below.

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