It’s easy to see why this 19th century country house hotel is regularly referenced as one of the best places to stay in the country. Roaring fires, luxurious lounges and ravishing views of Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian Fells are all part of its charm, as is the grand dining room, which has become a destination in its own right.
The hotel restaurant offers an a la carte menu as well as a tasting option. You might start the tasting menu with raw scallop with elderflower, buttermilk and cucumber, followed by poached lemon sole with fregola, seaweed, mussels and a champagne sauce.
Afternoon tea and Sunday roasts are hugely popular, while there’s also a barbecue and fire pit in the beautiful grounds, which can be hired for private events. Guests who want to get up close and personal to the action can opt for the Chef’s Table, which is in the heart of the busy kitchen, but it’s hard to resist the genteel dining room, which combines oak panels and William Morris-style patterned wallpaper.
The charming staff glide discreetly among the solid oak tables, but you’ll hardly notice them – it’s hard to tear your eyes away from the views.
