Meet The Chef

Offering the warmest of Cumbrian welcomes across our hotel and beautiful Cedar Tree restaurant, Hrishikesh realises a life-long ambition of running a country house hotel saying “I fell in love with Farlam Hall the moment I arrived, and I want as many people as possible to share that feeling. It’s a truly special place, steeped in history and understated elegance. I can’t wait to welcome guests to become part of our story.”

Here at Farlam Hall he will optimise the nature on our doorstep. From our own kitchen garden, polytunnels and beehives he will craft exciting dishes which not only delight the palate but tell a story of their own on the plate too. Hrishikesh’s style of classic, yet surprising British cuisine promises ‘delightful simplicity with oodles of class and an unexpected twist to make guests smile!’

Hrishikesh began his career winning the Roux Scholarship in 2009 and working in a number of Michelin starred kitchens. He shot to fame after reaching the final of the BBC’s Great British Menu and has since established his position as one of the country’s hottest talents in the kitchen achieving a host of AA rosettes and a Michelin star himself whilst overseeing the Gilpin Hotel and Lake House’s three restaurants HRiSHi, Gilpin Spice and Gilpin Grill.

Since embarking on his journey at Farlam Hall, Hrishikesh and the team have already achieved a Michelin star for the Cedar Tree by Hrishikesh Desai, as well as three AA Rosettes, being recommended in the Michelin Guide and receiving an ‘Exceptional’ rating at the Good Food Guide Awards 2024.