The Schelly

The Schelly: Fine Dining Without the Faff

Sitting directly above its Michelin-starred sister restaurant, The Old Stamp House, The Schelly is led by Ryan and Craig Blackburn and offers a menu of carefully crafted small plates. Its name pays homage to the schelly, a rare freshwater fish found only in Brothers Water, Haweswater, Red Tarn, and Ullswater.

Ryan Blackburn, a third-generation Cumbrian chef and committed champion of local produce, draws inspiration from the region’s fells, lakes, woodlands, and coastline. Known for his work with Herdwick and for reimagining traditional Cumbrian dishes shaped in part by Whitehaven’s historic spice trade, he blends creativity with deep respect for local heritage. His career includes time at acclaimed kitchens such as Restaurant Martin Wishart and a tenure as head chef at Cottage in the Wood, where he earned praise from critic Jay Rayner.

Since 2014, Ryan has helmed Ambleside’s Old Stamp House, where he highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Under his leadership, the restaurant has received numerous honours, including a Michelin star held since 2019, three AA Rosettes, Cumbria Life Chef of the Year, and recognition from Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best,” the Good Food Guide, Harden’s Top 100, and the Kuits list of influential northern hospitality figures. In 2024, he was awarded the JRE Innovation Award for his forward-thinking, heritage-driven approach to cuisine.

Guided by the ethos of “fine dining without the faff,” The Schelly has quickly made its mark on Ambleside, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in February 2025, just months after opening. That same year, it was also named “New Business of the Year” at the Cumbria Food Awards.

A Taste of The Schelly

The Schelly offers a laid-back dining experience built around a relaxed menu, presenting streamlined versions of the exceptional dishes that have made Ryan’s cooking at The Old Stamp House so renowned. The menu is further enriched with plates inspired by his passion for global culture and travel, flavours that already play a vibrant part in Cumbria’s evolving food scene. As ever, Ryan’s commitment to outstanding ingredients shines through in every dish, ensuring each plate is as exciting as it is meticulously crafted.

Guests can also explore a wide-ranging wine list showcasing bottles from small, characterful producers across the UK and Europe. Available by the glass or the bottle, each selection has been thoughtfully sourced by Ryan’s award-winning sommelier team.