A fiery feast, cooked over live flames, awaits guests at the 2026 Taste Cumbria Christmas Supper Club which returns to Cockermouth this December.
The gorgeous surroundings of Low Hall the Lakes are the venue for this fine dining event, which takes place on Saturday 5 December. This year it has a new star in the kitchen; Ash O’Neill, from Penrith’s Favilla by Smoke & Steel.
The name Favilla comes from the Latin meaning an ember or spark and cooking over live fire is Ash’s speciality. Supper Club guests are in for a five-course treat, some of it created al fresco on the night. From pork belly to Cumbrian Halloumi, to smoked trout and charred venison, the menu is a mouthwatering mix of the most local ingredients.
Ash has trained and worked in many highly accoladed kitchens over the years, beginning his career at The Mere and The Box Tree in Ilkley, before making the move to Cumbria in 2014 to continue his career. He first opened Smoke & Steel as an outside catering business, then Favila came to life in 2025.
He’s worked with Low Hall for a number of years, as Ash creates the menus for their wedding guests. The Supper Club will be served in the venue’s stunning Loveable Old Barn which will be dressed for Christmas with plenty of sparkle and the warmest welcome guaranteed.
Tickets are on sale now, priced £65 per person, and this includes a welcome cocktail.
To purchase tickets go to www.tastecumbria.co.uk/taste-cumbria-christmas
The Taste Cumbria festivals are organised by Cumberland Council and the sponsors of the Christmas event are Cockermouth Town Council, The Coffee Kitchen Bakery, Jennings Brewery and Milburns Solicitors.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“The Taste Cumbria Supper Clubs are always a fantastic showcase for every flavour this county has to offer and it is great to see a new chef bringing something really different to the table this Christmas.
“This promises to be another gloriously festive night of excellent food and drink. Tuck in and enjoy!”
Please note, in order to accommodate as many guests as possible, the Supper Club will take place on the top floor of the Loveable Old Barn which is only accessible via stairs.
Photo credit: Joe Mather Photography