Inn the heart of The Lakes
LUCY ROUE discovers a relaxing destination for some peace and quiet
THE Lake District – land of the Romantic poets and a haven to the busy city dweller who craves a weekend of serenity. And this was exactly our goal as we headed to the peaceful village of Elterwater, near Ambleside, on a two-day break.
Nestled in the beautiful Langdale Valley, our choice of stay, The Eltermere Inn, started life as a farmhouse and can be dated back to the late 1500s.
Far from its ordinary beginnings the immaculate property now boasts 12 chic bedrooms while retaining a somewhat polished rustic charm.
The family-run country hotel sits in a perfect location, with a backdrop of the majestic Langdale Pikes and uninterrupted views over the lake at Eltermere. But despite sounding remote, it is only five miles from the popular town of Ambleside and two and a half from Grasmere.
After a trouble-free trip up the M6, stopping for lunch in Kendal, we are welcomed with peppermint refreshments and cakes in the impressive bar – complete with an open fire and mounted Bengal tiger head. The latter not being my cup of tea.
We are shown to one of the premier rooms, named Robin Ghyll after a local beauty spot, which features a four poster bed and contemporary en-suite bathroom. With an exposed beam and window seat to admire the views, it certainly feels premier and worthy of the hotel’s four star rating.
With no time like the present for a bit of pampering we quickly enquire about the available leisure facilities.
Although there are none on site, The Eltermere Inn offers free guest passes to use at the nearby Langdale Hotel & Spa, a short drive or 15 minute walk away.
The restaurant at The Eltermere sits adjacent to the bar and feels quite compact with dark red walls and an eclectic mix of wooden tables, various framed fish and velvet chairs.
We start off with the ‘Spring Spritzer’ cocktail of rhubarb, bellini and prosecco – priced at £6.75 – which is everything it promises and very refreshing.
The menu offers a great choice and promises to use ‘locally sourced produce’ wherever possible, from Fleetwood fish to game from Skipton and Preston. I choose the fresh crab, chilli and tempura battered king prawn risotto to start, which is delicious and a great portion size.
However my rib-eye steak main is slightly underwhelming for £23 and I soon regret over pouring the peppercorn sauce which is intense in flavour. But, considering the fantastic starter I put it down to a wrong choice on my behalf.
My mum went for the steak and kidney in a pot with savoury scone (£16.95) and thoroughly enjoyed it.
And with that it’s on to the desserts.
For me, roasted rhubarb and ice-cream with a refreshing strawberry sorbet – as my dining partner tucks into the nutty pistachio frangipane (both £6.50 each).
The desserts are unique in their mixture of flavours and we both enjoy her accompanying peanut butter ice cream.
After a great night’s sleep in our peaceful room we are re-energised by breakfast and set off on a local five-mile walk, which is recommended by the owners.
Here I get a quick chance to ask Ruth, who runs the place with her husband Mark and two children, what kind of guests the hotel appeals to.
It seems couples and retired professionals are the main market with an emphasis on there being no child facilities or a children’s menu.
I suppose it’s fair enough for those seeking tranquillity in the Lakes but I personally felt the atmosphere was a bit muted as a result.
Our walk takes up most of the morning as we amble through the beautiful scenery, taking in a nearby tarn and stopping for lunch at the impeccable Chesters by the River in Skelwith Bridge.
Overall, Eltermere Inn is a good base for a short hop to The Lakes and a great location in terms of activities and nearby attractions.