The Samling sits cradled in a bowl of Lakeland fellside, looking out over panoramic lake views, south along Windermere and west towards the Coniston Old Man mountain range.
Here guests enjoy exceptional hospitality and comfort, with award winning fine dining – enhanced by one of the world’s best wine lists – and delivered with attentive but unobtrusive service. The Samling is the ideal base from which to explore the most spectacular part of England from the comfort of one of the finest hotels in the Lake District.
Bold statements we know but read on and you will understand why.
Tucked away on a hillside overlooking the eastern shores of Lake Windermere lies The Samling with vast expanses of breathtaking scenery that stretch as far as the eye can see. The views are captivating, especially on a clear day. First impressions are everything and ours had just been elevated.
The welcome we received set the tone for our stay; warmth, excellent service and luxury come as standard here.
We checked into the beautiful Elter Water; a split-level barn style suite; the bathroom is on the ground floor, clad in Carrara marble with a large bath and separate walk-in shower. A few steps up is the sitting room, enjoying expansive lake views south over Windermere, and soothingly decorated in soft stone neutrals with accents of dove pink. The top level, tucked under the eaves, houses the bedroom with its super-king sized bed. Possibly the comfiest bed we have ever had the pleasure to sleep in.
Hidden in the woodlands, a short walk from the main building, cocooned neatly into the hillside, you will find a stunning, private hot tub, with totally privacy for guests, inviting them to sink into the bubbling water with a glass of champagne to take in the outstanding views down the hillside, across the meadows and onto Lake Windermere.
Guests are welcome to book the hot tub for one hour slots throughout the day, but a soak at dusk, as the sun sets across the lake and the distant fells and the moon rises over the water is highly recommended. We had a wonderfully relaxing hour before dinner.
One of the things we were most looking forward to at The Samling was the Tasing Menu in their fine dining restaurant, there’s an expansive lake view from the floor to ceiling windows, making this one of the most memorable dining experiences to be had in the Lake District.
Expertly crafted menus by Executive Head Chef Robby Jenks comprise of highly evolved, clear, bold flavours and his Tasting Menu is …well, simply divine! Robby’s award-winning food perfectly matches those spectacular views. The menu includes many local ingredients including herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel’s kitchen garden.
Beautiful well-balanced dishes are served at the perfect pace, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and deliciousness of every plate. Iberico Ham and Heritage Tomato (light, fresh and full of late summer flavours) , Duck Liver – cherry and ginger (this packed the kind of punch we love), Langoustine – caviar and bisque (a dream of a dish, we almost asked for more!), Cod – Australian truffle and wood sorrel (we thought the Langoustine dish was unbeatable – until the cod arrived!).
Wagyu Beef – lovage and potato (Wagyu is our favourite beef and this was a full bodied rich dish that packed a flavour punch big enough to satisfy any carnivore).
Onto the dessert courses of Damson – vanilla and yoghurt, and Apple – white chocolate and tonka bean. Each perfectly balanced and the perfect way to round off this stunning meal.
At this point I should point out that we also had the wine pairing and I highly recommend any diners in The Samling restaurant to do the same, we guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Replete and tired from climbing Wainwrights all day, that amazing bed was calling.
Breakfast was as memorable as dinner, with moreish Cumberland sausages, homemade sweet granola and superb Eggs Benedict. It’s fair to say we left begrudgingly but thankful to have had such a wonderful experience.
Here in the heart of the Lake District we found the balance of nature’s beauty with world class service, and can’t wait to return to The Samling.
Some images supplied. Some images taken by H&N Magazine
