THIS COMFORTABLE AND COSY HOTEL IS WONDERFULLY LOCATED, NESTLING IN THE SWEEPING HILLS OF THE NORTH LAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES FROM THE NOTABLE CUMBRIAN TOWN OF KESWICK.
With easy access from the North West, the Lake District is an understandable favourite with many weary city dwellers, offering the chance to relax, unwind and indulge. It was with this in mind that His & Hers made the scenic journey from Liverpool to Ravenstone Lodge, a converted Victorian coach house and stables. This comfortable and cosy hotel is wonderfully located, nestling in the sweeping hills of the North Lakes just a few minutes from the notable Cumbrian town of Keswick.
Once we’d arrived and had enjoyed a brief tour of our spacious room, resplendent with four poster bed, my travel companion and I decided to head down to sample the delights of the comprehensive menu delivered by Head Chef, James Cooper.
We decided to take the more relaxed option of dining in the hotel’s Bistro rather than the more formal restaurant. The Bistro, which occupies the formal stables, comes complete with a well stocked bar, showcasing the very best Lakeland brews and providing a selection of whiskies which one would be hard pressed to match in the Highlands of Scotland.
Determined to take full advantage of the high quality comfort food on offer, I started by ordering the roasted parsnip soup. Satisfyingly thick and perfectly seasoned, it was easy to see how Ravenstone Lodge had been awarded its AA Rosette for culinary excellence. After my companion’s starter had also received the thumbs up, we moved on to the main course. The 10 oz Rib-Eye steak with all the trimings was a joy, cooked to perfection and a great example of both owner Mike Cornish’s and Chef James Cooper’s commitment to sourcing high quality local produce. A quick glance across the table showed how a simple favourite like fish and chips, in the right hands, can be elevated to a dish of complex taste and texture. A perfect chocolate tarte completed the meal, the rich velvet texture and sharp chocolate taste of the tarte proved to be a fitting finale to an indulgent comfort filled high quality feast.
Having put the world to rights in the company of owner Mike, whose passion and commitment shine through the whole Ravenstone experience, we decide to retire, drink in hand, to the Conservatory. A drink or two later and with the comforting warmth of the log burning stove, the stresses of daily life become a distant memory.
Once refreshed after a night in our room’s imposing four poster bed, we make our way to the hotel’s restaurant, ready to plan our day exploring the attractions of Keswick and the North Lakes. Faced with an impressive selection of breakfast options, from the classic full English to hand baked pastries and Eggs Benedict, my companion and I took some time to take in the breathtaking views on offer from our window-side table. A perfect start to any day.
With a resigned sigh and heavy heart we left this oasis of comfort and calm and ventured back to the car and a day of exploring, sure that Ravenstone Lodge had taken its place on our list of favourite Lakeland getaways.
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