Paul Leonard to replace Kevin Tickle at The Forest Side

It follows the departure of head chef Kevin Tickle​​ earlier this month, who stepped down from the role to “embark on new projects”.

Leonard joins The Forest Side from the Burlington at The Devonshire Arms in Bolton Abbey, which was recently recognised at 2019 Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards; ranking at number 46 in the top 100 list.

He previously cooked under both Marcus Wareing and Andrew Fairlie, and in his first lead role as head chef at The Isle of Eriska on the west coast of Scotland he succeeded in retaining the restaurant’s Michelin star.  

In 2017, during Leonard’s first year as head chef at the Burlington, the restaurant was awarded four AA rosettes with the chef praised for his use of local produce.

“The team and I are thrilled to be welcoming Paul to Grasmere,” says Alasdair Elwick, general manager at The Forest Side.

“His extensive experience and passion for local produce make him the ideal fit to take the helm at Forest Side, where we continue to go from strength to strength in our efforts to showcase the best of Cumbria’s remarkable larder.”

The Forest Side was opened by Tickle in February 2016 in partnership with Wildsmith Hotels, which also owns The Ryebeck and Hipping Hall.

It achieved major recognition within its first eight months, gaining three AA rosettes for culinary excellence as well as a Michelin star.

Later it was awarded a fourth AA rosette, while earlier this year the restaurant was also recognised with a top 20 ranking in the 2019 Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards, coming in at number 18.