Craig Blackburn has spent his entire career in hospitality. Raised in the Lake District, he began his career in his parents' pub before moving on to the cocktail bar at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh. His journey then took him across the Atlantic, where he spent time working in a hotel in Minnesota, America.
In 2014, Craig returned to the Lake District, joining his brother Ryan to open The Old Stamp House, now a Michelin-starred flagship restaurant. A decade later, in August 2024, the pair expanded their offering with two new ventures in Ambleside, both located alongside The Old Stamp House.
The first, The Schelly, is a small plates casual dining eatery named after a rare freshwater fish found exclusively in Brothers Water, Haweswater, Red Tarn and Ullswater. Seating up to 30 guests directly above The Old Stamp House, it serves a relaxed menu built around Ryan's innovative interpretation of individual dishes, crafted using the very best locally sourced produce. Craig oversees the wine programme and service, bringing his expertise to the Lake District's only Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant.
The second venture, the Workshop at The Old Stamp House, is a private dining space and development kitchen housed in a former tailor's workshop in the Old Stamp House Courtyard. This contemporary, beautifully curated space seats up to eight guests at a bespoke dining table, offering diners the chance to fully interact with the chefs who cook and serve them.
"Great hospitality isn't about perfection—it's about making every guest feel genuinely welcome and sharing the story of Cumbria through every moment of their experience."
