Breaking news
Harden's says
In the main hotel, Source, serving a 10-course tasting menu from former Fat Duck chef Ollie Bridgwater, has replaced Hrishi. Meanwhile, Gilpin Lake House, overlooking Knipe Tarn a mile away, serves a lavish afternoon tea (plus breakfast for overnight guests).
Harden's survey result
Summary
This “very creative Pan Asian” – one of three restaurants at the swish Gilpin hotel – rates highly for its “theatrical open kitchen and super food expertly prepared by staff who clearly love their job” (“I wouldn’t have thought of a Lake District hotel as being good for sushi, but the maki rolls were really rather good, if definitely more of an American west coast vibe than Japanese purity”). Steady ratings support those who say: “I’m pleased to say that chef Hrishikesh Desai’s departure from Gilpin has not affected the quality at all” (while the menu gives the impression of “ranging more widely across southeast Asia than it did under his direction”).
Summary
“A very good find in the Lake District” – this modern pan-Asian dining room of a swish, contemporary hotel is a break with Lakeland traditions, with its contemporary decor inspired by far-off lands and open kitchen delivering an eclectic mix of cuisines. Reports say the food’s of “a high standard” and lunchtimes here are a particular favourite – “we ladies who lunch try different restaurants in the area and Gilpin is the best so far xx!”
Summary
This modern Lakeland dining room – an Asian dining alternative in this luxuriously updated small hotel – is nowadays presided over by Aakash Ohol, who – prior to the departure of Hrishkesh Desai in December 2022 – was sous chef of Hrishi (since relaunched as Source, see also). Notwithstanding the odd disappointment registered this year, feedback suggests its diverse dishes (inspired by countries along the Spice Route) can be a useful relief to the native fare generally prevalent in this neck of the woods; even if “sometimes it’s difficult to choose and the dishes come as and when they’re ready”.
Summary
“Absolutely superb” “Asian-inspired dishes to savour” are enjoyed by all at this “relaxed and welcoming” venue from highly rated chef Hrishikesh Desai – his number two restaurant at the Gilpin Lodge. Some reporters quietly admit that they “actually preferred the food here to Hrishi” – supposedly his number one.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Gilpin Spice, Gilpin Hotel?
Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE
Restaurant details
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £20.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 10.00% |
Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
Best Indian restaurants nearby
Indian restaurant in Mellor
Indian restaurant in Corbridge
Indian restaurant in Leeds
