Windermere Restaurant Guide

“The food and ambience have been raised to a different level” at this acclaimed country hotel, which unveiled a new glass-walled restaurant, wine cellar, chef’s table and chef (Peter Howarth, ex-of Gidleigh Park) in October 2017. It won real paeans this year for its “wonderful” food (taking in “superb” tasting menus) and “the perfect setting overlooking Lake Windermere” (“the best view of any restaurant I’ve ever been to”).

Hrishikesh Desai’s outstanding Asian-fusion cuisine inspires extremely high ratings for the main dining room of this boutique-ified Lakeland Hotel (which occupies a Georgian-style building, dating from 1901): “spread across several rooms of the main building, it’s open for dinner only”. See also ‘Gilpin Spice’ (which actually inspired more interest this year).

“Love this new addition to The Gilpin” – the hotel’s second restaurant is also run by Hrishikesh Desai – “a funky space” with “an open kitchen, and a counter for more casual dining” in “a separate building (handily nearer the car park) that’s also open for lunch”. It serves “a splendid selection of food with a spicy (mild or otherwise) twist” (“the word is Spice, not chilli, and it’s the first time I’ve had a meal like that that hasn’t left my digestive system complaining the next day)”. On all accounts, results are “superb” with “outstanding, bright, fresh flavours. Just wow!”

“Lovely food and highly professional service in a beautiful Lakeland setting” have carved a big reputation for this luxurious old hunting lodge, which has “brilliant views” over Lake Windermere. Even the author of an ‘off report’, who considered the experience “pricey” and “not as impressive as hitherto” says the cooking is “competent to good”.

“The best cafe in Windermere with the best brunches” (both the hash browns and huevos rancheros come recommended). “There is usually a queue to get a table but it’s well worth the wait”.

“Lovely fresh fish cooked to perfection” remains the considerable draw to this diminutive eight-year-old, occasionally “a little lacking in atmosphere” and “expensive, but worth it!”

Chef and restaurateur Simon Rogan has taken over the restaurant at Windermere's Linthwaite Hall (taking over from Stella, RIP); he might not be at the stoves all the time, though - he's also just opened in Hong Kong!