Sustainable Business of the Year

TSC Award 2025 Sustainable Business of the year is Beth and Jack Bond, The Cottage in the Wood, Keswick

The 2025 Sustainable Business of the Year award was presented to husband-and-wife team Beth and Jack Bond, who lead the Michelin-starred The Cottage in the Wood in Keswick. Nestled high in the Whinlatter Forest, overlooking the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, their restaurant has long been recognised for its deep commitment to sustainability, community and respect for nature.

For the Bonds, sustainability is not a marketing angle—it is the foundation upon which their restaurant operates. From sourcing and staffing to waste reduction and foraging, every aspect of The Cottage in the Wood reflects their belief that hospitality should coexist harmoniously with the environment that surrounds it.

Jack, who was also named The Staff Canteen Member of the Year in 2024, described the award as a powerful validation of their ethos:

“To win the sustainability award is unbelievable. It’s something that the restaurant really strives for, not only through produce, but through the staff that we have, making sure that we nurture everything. It’s a fantastic reward for what we really strive to achieve, so I’m really proud to win this one.”

That ethos extends far beyond the kitchen. The team’s sourcing philosophy centres on locality and seasonality—working closely with Lake District farmers, growers and producers who share their respect for the land. Ingredients are often foraged directly from the surrounding woodland, and dishes are designed to reflect the changing rhythm of the seasons.

Restaurant manager Joel Pennington highlighted the unique connection between the restaurant and its natural environment:

"Being surrounded by the woods, diving into the nature, foraging and sourcing local ingredients and working with local suppliers—some of the guys I grew up and went to school with—working with their produce is amazing."

"This commitment to local collaboration and environmental stewardship extends into every element of The Cottage in the Wood’s operations. The restaurant minimises waste, embraces renewable energy practices where possible, and fosters a culture that encourages mindfulness and sustainability among its staff."

Beth and Jack’s leadership embodies a quiet but powerful philosophy: that true sustainability isn’t achieved through grand gestures, but through daily choices—each made with care and intention. Their win as Sustainable Business of the Year celebrates not just their success, but their example to the wider hospitality industry. In fusing fine dining with a deep respect for the natural world, The Cottage in the Wood stands as a shining model of what modern, conscious hospitality can be.