Accrington Observer

After the flood

EMMA CURRY visits Lakes landmark the Swan Hotel which has been refurbishe­d following the deluge of 2015

-

IS there anything better than a fluffy white hotel robe? Swaddled in one, sprawled on my king size bed in a stupor induced by an hour-long facial at The Swan Hotel and Spa in Newby Bridge, I was struggling to think of anything.

During my stay at The Swan, located right on the edge of Lake Windermere’s most southerly tip, I discovered that this newly revamped venue does a lot of things right - dressing gowns being just one of them.

The hotel, which offers not only an on-site spa, but also a swimming pool, fitness centre, pub and restaurant, was flooded in December 2015 and forced to close its doors for six months while the entire interior of the ground floor was redone.

It is now back up and running and the stylish contempora­ry decor and busy, excitable atmosphere demonstrat­e that this revamp has been a resounding success.

It’s busy when I arrive at the hotel on a Saturday afternoon, full of sticky toffee pudding from the nearby village of Cartmel, which I visited on the way, and charmed by a walk at the National Trust park of Fell Foot, five minutes down the road.

There’s a wedding celebratio­n in full swing and the car park and hotel are packed.

People are sipping drinks at tables on the water’s edge, the wedding party posing for photograph­s on the front steps, and a veritable fleet of boats moored up along the banks.

I escape the bustle and check into my ‘fabulous room’, which is decked out in turquoise furnishing­s and statement wall paper.

There is a flat screen television on the wall, high end toiletries in the bathroom - and of course that robe waiting for me in the closet. It doesn’t take me long to abandon my suitcase and locate the pool, and it feels a real luxury to be able go for a swim, steam and sauna in the middle of the afternoon.

Next up is my ‘skin brightenin­g’ facial in The Swan’s spa, during which I am soothed, cleansed, toned and moisturise­d to within half an inch of my life.

The treatment includes a skin assessment with an ultraviole­t lamp, a scalp massage and a hair mask, and by the time my masseuse finishes I am almost comatose with relaxation.

I spend the afternoon wrapped in my robe, before dinner at the hotel restaurant, The Swan Inn, where I meet managing director Sarah Gibbs.

Her enthusiasm and dedication shine through, and she points out details like the fabric pattern on the chairs and cosy alcove of seating, which make me realise how much thought and pride have gone into the renovation.

My meal of pan fried scallops, raw courgette, diced apple and pancetta, with chive dressing was as succulent and delicious as I’d hoped, and I have to admit I cast a longing glance at Sarah’s chicken and chorizo paella as well.

The staff were attentive without being overbearin­g, and it was clear from the way they spoke to Sarah that the Swan has a tight-knit team - which is probably why the bustling dinner service, which included a children’s party, ran so smoothly.

The following morning, I had the chance to sample another meal at The Swan, when breakfast was served in the River Room, above the inn.

A spread of fresh fruit, cereal, yoghurt and toast, plus the option to order a hot dish - from eggs benedict to a full English - meant I headed off on my journey home more than satisfied.

No-one batted an eyelid at my frequent requests for more of their delicious cafetière coffee, and the waiters made an effort to chat to me and make sure I had everything I needed.

Although my stay at The Swan focussed mainly on relaxation, there is plenty on offer for those looking to explore the area.

Fell Foot Park is right on the doorstep, offering walking, space to have a barbecue, lake cruises and rowing boat hire.

The Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway is a short walk away, and travels for seven miles from the coastal village of Ravenglass through two valleys to the foot of England’s highest mountains. There is also an aquarium, trout farm and an outdoor activity and adventure centre within easy reach.

As is probably to be expected from a hotel which has recently undergone a complete facelift, there are a few elements which are not quite perfect.

The choice of shutters on the windows in my room instead of curtains means the headlights of traffic going in and out of the car park kept me awake, and the ‘high speed internet’ promised on the website cuts out within two minutes.

However I leave The Swan feeling relaxed and pampered and eager to return and really, I can’t ask for anything more.

 ??  ?? A view of Newby Bridge’s titular bridge over the River Leven
A view of Newby Bridge’s titular bridge over the River Leven
 ??  ?? The hotel’s stylish revamp is a resounding success
The hotel’s stylish revamp is a resounding success

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom