Recently, we returned to our beloved Lake District. There are many reasons why we love this area of England so much, including its natural beauty, history, culture and those amazing Wainwright’s.
We also can’t get enough of the first class hospitality. Some of the best hotels and restaurants we have ever frequented are in the Lake District. This visit was to introduce us to another of the area’s gems.
Let me introduce you to the stunning contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House. Set in hilltop gardens and woodland grounds with exceptional views of Windermere, the most idyllic setting you can imagine.
Linthwaite House is part of The Leeu Collection, a manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh for sophisticated escapes and unique guest experiences. Believe me, it delivered.
We travelled on a beautiful early autumn day, which made the journey from Yorkshire scenic and enjoyable, and the arrival at Linthwaite House breathtaking. We were not prepared for such a gorgeous location and views, the warmest of welcomes and a faultless guest experience. Not to mention the fabulous and very unique works of art throughout the hotel and grounds.
Arriving just in time for a delicious lunch in The Bar & Conservatory, with its luxurious interiors and unparalleled views of Lake Windemere, dined on a delicious feast of seasonal dishes and wine, served expertly by Kamil. We were seriously impressed by this menu.
After lunch, we were taking on a tour around the grounds in a golf buggy with hotel manager, Karen. The gardens are beautiful, the views unrivalled and we discovered that hidden away is a picturesque boating lake and several luxury self-catering lodges, called the Fell Suites. The Fell Suites are perfect if you prefer to have the choice of self-catering with the option of dining at the hotel, and your own private haven to retreat to. They also accept your canine friends which is a huge bonus.
Our room within Linthwaite House had the most amazing views of Lake Windemere, the comfiest of king-sized bed and a huge, luxurious bathroom with a double walk-in shower and a bath tub you could live in! We couldn’t have been happier.
If you know anything about the Lake District, you know it is famed for outstanding produce and restaurants. Linthwaite House actually has renowned restaurant, Henrock. An informal and relaxed restaurant from chef and restaurateur Simon Rogan MBE. We couldn’t wait for this meal.
The team, led by Executive Chef Paul Burgalières and Head Chef Mark McCabe, has created a set menu and a tasting menu, both stay true to Simon Rogan’s farm-to-table ethos and deep-rooted respect for natural ingredients. Much of the produce comes from Simon’s farm, known as Our Farm, located just a few miles away in the Cartmel Valley, whilst flavours and techniques are inspired by his travels to his international restaurants in Hong Kong, Malta and Phuket.
We chose the set menu for dinner.
We started with Snacks; Fermented Squash, leek top X.O., Ragstone and Truffle Custard, and Duck Leg Takoyaki, currant, Szechuan, fuikake. Each was the perfect mouthful and a glimpse of the quality of food to come.
For Starters; Moroccan Spiced Herdwick Lamb Belly, our farm greens, lovage, Cucamelon jam and Helenor swede, and Braised Cuttlefish, roasted Eel and pink peppercorn sauce. The lamb was flavourful and sweet, the cuttlefish was mild, slightly sweet with a hint of umami, the eel delicate and meaty. Both outstanding starters.
Our Mains; Cartmel Vally Venison, celeriac, mountain pepper leaf, and Houghton Springs Trout, smoked whey, mooli, lemon verbena. Wow! That venison packed a punch of rich earthy flavours, and the trout had a beautiful delicacy with a nutty undertone and slight sweetness. They were the opposite ends of the scale on flavours, and each was absolutely delicious!
Then came the most amazing Pre-Dessert we have ever eaten; Chrysanthemum, Beeswax Cream, Burnt Honey and Pollen Granola. The meal could have ended there and we would have been very happy. We love honey and this dish fills the mouth with an explosion of honey flavours that stayed with us as a talking point for days after.
Dessert; Our Farm Strawberries, toasted buckwheat ice cream, olive leaf, and Chamomile Set Cream, sea buckthorn, carrot and pumpkin seed biscuit. What can I say, other than that was the perfect end to a perfect meal. Served in beautiful surroundings and with personal attention from Hannah from our home town, who brought real Yorkshire warmth to the whole evening.
This is a real find and one we highly recommend. Linthwaite House and Henrock will have you returning to the Lake District again and again.
Review and images by Angela Riches
Some images supplied
