Heft Restaurant, High Newton – Modern British Dining in the Heart of the Lakes

If you’ve followed my food adventures for a while, you’ll know I’m a big believer that great food should always tell a story — and few places do that quite as beautifully as Heft in High Newton, Cumbria.

Housed in a lovingly restored 17th-century inn, Heft perfectly balances heritage and modernity: traditional stone walls and oak beams meet a progressive, hyper-local menu that celebrates the Cumbrian landscape. Run by Kevin and Nicola Tickle, it’s earned its place as one of the Lake District’s finest dining experiences — thoughtful, precise, and full of soul.

The Experience – Late October at Heft

Visiting Heft in late October feels like stepping into a postcard of autumn in the Lakes. The drive through winding country roads, framed by gold and amber leaves, sets the tone for something quietly special.

When you first step through the front wooden door, you’re greeted by a small, cosy country pub — intimate, warm, and full of character. Then, a few steps up to the rear and you emerge into a whitewashed, rather chic dining room, where rustic charm meets modern design. It’s an effortless blend of old and new that mirrors the food perfectly.

Inside, warmth radiates from both the fire and the welcome. There’s that unmistakable sense of calm that only comes when a restaurant knows exactly who it is. Service strikes the perfect balance — friendly yet professional, with genuine enthusiasm for what’s being served.

The Autumn Tasting Menu

The night began with a series of playful snacks that immediately showcased Heft’s creativity:

• Dale End Cheddar, onion and Worcester croustade (left)
• Uncle Juan’s roost, smoked sour cream and pickled onions (right)
• Bresaola, egg and gouda crumpwich (front)

The first and last dishes were neck-and-neck for favourite of the night — each small but packed with flavour and texture.

Next came Maitake glazed in soy, ewe’s curd, dittander and guanciale broth — and as someone who’s not a massive mushroom fan, I was surprised by how much I loved the flavours. Deep, umami-rich, meaty and comforting, it was a standout.

The Cornish gilt-head bream followed, with tomato, fennel kimchi, mead and savoury. Sweet and salty, it was beautifully balanced — it also paired perfectly with a rather zingy Greek rosé made from Xinomavro (more on that below).

Then came scorched monkfish and cauliflower curry — usually served with mussels, but adapted for me due to a mollusc allergy. The flavours were bold yet delicate, with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

The Lakeland red deer that followed was perfectly cooked, served with enoki mushrooms cooked in tallow, chimichurri, and peppercorn sauce. It was hearty, rich and exactly what you want from an autumnal main.

Sweet Endings

Desserts at Heft are just as considered as the savoury courses.

Pre-dessert came in the form of “When Daisy Met Bramble” — a creamy, dairy-led dish lifted with a berry zing that really woke up the palate.

Finally, Maple, verjus, praline, mascarpone choux au craquelin — light, crisp and utterly indulgent. A perfect finale.

The Wine Pairing

At £95, the wine pairing felt like an investment — but one that paid off. It introduced me to a range of wines I’d probably never have ordered myself whilst dining, even with my WSET background. It included a fresh Sicilian white and that sharp, natural Greek rosé. On its own, the latter was a little too acidic for my taste, but paired with the sea bream and tomato course, it transformed beautifully.

Two dessert wines rounded things off nicely, especially the sweet red that complemented both the “Daisy and Bramble” pre-dessert and a few final sips on its own.

Staying Nearby

We based ourselves about 10 minutes away in Grange-over-Sands, the closest area with accommodation options. A word to the wise — taxis are scarce, so pre-booking is essential. Huge thanks to 24/7 Cars, who kindly adjusted our timings to suit our late finish.

Heft are currently in the process of adding rooms above the restaurant, which will make an already special experience even more seamless once available.

Final Thoughts

Heft continues to prove why it’s one of Cumbria’s must-visit restaurants. Kevin Tickle’s cooking is refined but never pretentious — rooted in local ingredients, guided by the seasons, and delivered with genuine warmth.

If you’re planning a Lake District escape, put Heft at the top of your list. Whether you’re local or travelling up from Manchester, it’s absolutely worth the journey — especially as autumn turns the landscape (and the menu) into something magical.