Gilpin Lodge Country House

As a lover of afternoon tea I’m always on the look out for somewhere that is a little bit different. but luxurious all rolled into one.
As an anniversary treat my partner took me here for afternoon tea over the weekend. We also wanted to have a look at the legendary Lake House which is a mile from the hotel next to its own private lake, with private spa and grounds.
We booked in at 5pm for afternoon tea. A little later than I wanted but it’s seems they just serve late afternoon. When we arrived it seems we drew upto a private residence rather than a hotel… which made it more appealing! We were seated quickly in the gorgeous lounge area (if it hadn’t have been raining we would have been out on the gorgeous terrace) the whole room oozed class. The coffee table was laid out ready for us and we decided to have cold drinks to start with our savouries. Not a single member of staff went by without seeing if we were ok and needed anything. attentive isn’t the word! So we set up our tour of the lake house after we finished our afternoon tea very quickly!
The savouries were frankly delicious.. Sausage and choritzo rolls, egg mayo, roast beef (cooked medium rare. as it should be) and horseradish, smoked salmon and watercress and ham & wholegrain mustard sandwiches.. then the most perfect part. A pot of light, creamy salmon mousse with roasted brioche. Being a savouries person this was the best part and wish there was more … but as it’s afternoon tea we needed to leave space for the cakes.
The cakes arrived beautifully presented and obviously made by a master of baking! Toffee and cream profiterole, chocolate slice with many layer of creamy mousse and chocolate ganache. Victoria slice. sponge, cream and jam in perfect layers, raspberry cheesecake. perfectly light and creamy. The scone was to die for… With all the trimmings.
The choice of teas was lacking many fruit teas but only Earl Grey and English Breakfast in traditional teas.
After we finished we drove down to the lake house for a look round… it was classic, beautiful and entirely an elegant way to host a small wedding or special party. I feel this hotel is a little overlooked being just out of the tourist area… but it is a gem. I would love to hire the lake house for exclusive use with a group of friends for a weekend or new year.
All in all a special experience on a special day. The website is excellent. another tick!

BRILLIANT! Been quite a few times and had a great time each time A family run hotel in the Lake District. Lovely surroundings. Quiet and peaceful.
The staff are friendly and so helpful which really makes the stay so much more enjoyable, and each time me and my bf go, one of the the owners introduces himself at dinner. Don’t panic though, he doesn’t stand there and talk to you for half an hour while your food is going cold, just a quick hello which I think is a lovely personal touch, and shows he is in touch with and keen to know what his guests think of his hotel.
The food is great, really good quality and balanced flavours. The entire hotel is spotless and the rooms very clean some rooms have their own private hot tub outside! There really isn’t anything I dislike about this hotel.
The décor of the hotel is country house, but with a slight modern twist. Very comfortable and cosy with a lovely garden area where you can eat and drink in the summer months (or winter if you’re mad enough!)
I will be going back time and time again!