Sugarvine

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Anthony Daly is an extremely talented young chef who cooks superb dishes in this handsome, very well appointed restaurant at the Mortal Man in Troutbeck. Views from the restaurant are simply breathtaking, looking all the way down the valley to Lake Windermere. Prior to your meal you can order a cocktail at the new cocktail bar and then make your selection from the imaginative menu and relax as Anthony cooks your meal from fresh locally sourced produce. You could also choose a bottle of fine wine to complement your meal. Booking is recommended. The Mortal Man Inn is everything you imagined an English Country Inn would be with log fires, real ales, fine wines and a cosy, friendly, informal atmosphere. Hearty, delicious meals are on offer from the Bar Menu and on a nice day from the Beer Garden you can enjoy the fabulous scenery. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the bar, garden and some of the en-suite rooms.

Pub | Restaurant | Rooms

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The Brown Horse at Winster is a pub, restaurant, hotel and farm shop situated in the beautiful Winster valley, not far from Bowness and Windermere. On entering, you head straight into the pub itself, which with its olde worlde feel and roaring fire in winter oozes country charm. To the left is the dining area which has more of an upmarket restaurant vibe. There are bedrooms both upstairs and in the well-appointed new extension, where the rooms have their own individual outside seating areas. The Brown Horse breeds its own animals including pigs, cows, ducks, guinea fowl, chickens and geese as well as growing its own veg. All of this can be bought in the farm shop and of course is used in the kitchen. Signature dishes include starters like Black pudding with quail’s egg and Ham hock terrine and mains such as the Home-cured gammon and Aylesbury duck. The wine list is substantial with a choice of 70-odd bins. The Brown Horse caters for weddings and also has free internet access.

Restaurant | Accommodation

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From its position on the eastern shore of Windermere, the Beech Hill Hotel enjoys unparalelled views out over the lake and Coniston Old Man beyond. It's a wonderfully romantic setting for dining and the Beech Hill's two-AA-rosetted restaurant, with its outdoor terrace, does not disappoint. Menus change monthly, using the best of local Cumbrian produce. In summer, you can also 'take tea' down at the hotel's private beach and jetty. The Beech Hill has 58 rooms, each individually decorated, as well as a heated indoor pool, sauna and solarium. Awards | 2 AA Rosettes

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Positioned at the top of the hill, close to the shopping in Bowness, the Elephant and Camel is a great place to stop for lunch. This 25 cover café has an easygoing, laid back and chilled atmosphere and the food here is mostly vegetarian, although meat eaters are catered for and the dishes are influenced by the owner's travels around the world. Expect plenty of choice of Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean inspired dishes, homemade cakes and sweets and quality hot and cold drinks including, infused teas, speciality coffees and Indian Lassi. Their regular customers swear by the caramel shortbread and flapjack. There is al fresco seating for up to 10 diners in warmer weather and although it is open seven days a week from 9am-6pm, they are open for themed evenings on some Fridays and Saturdays. On these evenings they hold live entertainment, dinner and international folk dancing.

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Francine’s, on the main road running through Windermere, is a coffee house and tearoom by day and at night transforms into a continental-style restaurant. It’s run by a husband-and-wife team with the eponymous Francine front-of-house and husband Graeme (with experience gained at Holbeck Ghyll, The Porthole and on David Bowie's private yacht in the south of France) in the kitchen. Daytimes at Francine’s for breakfast, freshly ground coffee or tea with home-made cakes or scones or choose from the extensive lunchtime menu with families welcome. Evenings at Francine’s start with complimentary canapes and home-made breads, then choose from the a la carte menu and additions board (seasonal game and seafood including lobster). All the food is freshly prepared and vegetarian and gluten-free diets are catered for.

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Set in 20 private acres of country garden, moor and woodland, Gilpin Lodge sits high above Bowness on the road to Crook, almost opposite Windermere Golf Club. The Cunliffe family first arrived at this Lakeland country house in 1917 and in 1987 turned it into a hotel, now run by two generations of the family. The three-AA-rosetted restaurant is run by Head Chef Russell Plowman and emphasises fresh seasonal produce sourced from within the National Park where possible. Lunch and dinner are served in four dining rooms, each with its own character and style; guests are invited to browse the walk-in wine cellars, and tables are reserved for the entire meal time – there is no rush. The hotel interiors are stylish, comfortable and warm, with a touch of home; the sumptuous bedrooms are individually designed and furnished – some with private gardens and cedarwood hot tubs.Awards | 3 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 6

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Located in the heart of Windermere, Jerichos at the Waverley is a multi-award-winning restaurant with rooms run by chef-patron Chris Blaydes and wife Jo. Chris was formerly head chef at the legendary Miller Howe under John Tovey and Chris's two-AA-rosette cooking uses the freshest seasonal produce to deliver a small but perfectly formed menu. The restaurant seats just 36 with a choice of four starters and four mains, complemented by a 60-bin wine list. Jerichos has an upmarket feel with the magnificent Victorian building sympathetically updated to create a contemporary feel with a buzzy atmosphere. Bookings for private parties can be taken.Awards | 2 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 5

Dining | Rooms

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The four-star Lakeside Hotel at Newby Bridge enjoys the ideal location on the southern shores of Lake Windermere. Sumptuously furnished throughout, it retains the warm and welcoming atmosphere of its 17th-century coaching inn origins, whilst offering state-of-the-art pool, spa and conference facilities. Diners have two options -- classic fine dining in the two-AA-rosetted Lakeview Restaurant or the more informal and international menu in John Ruskin's Brasserie & Bar. You can also enjoy a light lunch or snack in the Conservatory, soaking up the splendid views out over Windermere. Awards | 2 AA Rosettes

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The Prince of India restaurant is the only Indian restaurant in Windermere. This 38-cover venue is on the first floor of a building on the main drag opposite the Co-op and has been trading now for eight years. It serves traditional Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine and is open seven days a week from 5pm until midnight, including bank holidays. Popular choices include the jalfrezi and the Ghandi’s special which come highly recommended for those who want to taste authentic Indian cooking. Set meals are also available for two and four people. The Prince of India also offers a takeaway service (collection only) with a 10% discount on the main menu prices.

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The Queens Head Hotel in Troutbeck is one of Cumbria’s most authentic and attractive country inns. It’s situated on the edge of the picturesque village of Troutbeck, on the road from Windermere to Ullswater which crosses the Kirkstone Pass on one of the Lake District’s most dramatic drives. The Queens Head has been here since Elizabethan times and the place retains many original features, including the famous four-poster bed cum bar. The restaurant and bar area oozes rustic charm with its roaring fires, sepia-toned pictures, stone-flagged floors and agricultural implements. However, the menu has a more high-end restaurant feel about it with classic British dishes like fish pie and fillet steak rubbing shoulders with more unusual fare like South African bobotie. Choose from both a la carte and set menus which are available throughout the day. The Queens Head Hotel also has wonderful four-poster bedrooms with just as much as character as the facilities downstairs.

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Seafarers fish and chip takeaway is situated in Bowness next to the main car park, opposite Beatrix Potter and only a short walk from the shore of Lake Windermere. Established since 2005, they serve all the traditional favourites you would expect. They are open 7 days a week from 11am-9pm and it is a great place to refuel pre- or post-walk. One of the best things about Seafarers is the very friendly welcome from the Filipino staff and owner. This award-winning chip shop is not licensed but serves a range of soft drinks and tea and coffee. Though mainly a takeaway there are a few tables outside for customers use.

PDF Menu

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The Elleray in Windermere has been around for many years but since May 2008 has undergone a major refurbishment programme under new management. It is a pub/bar, restaurant and hotel which will have a total of six rooms by the end of 2009. The venue has a modern feel but still retains some rustic Lakeland charm with its log fire. The food is traditional pub grub and all the produce is locally sourced with the 16oz T-bone steak the most popular dish. The Elleray has real atmosphere and has the perfect location in the centre of Windermere to access the town.

Eat | Drink | Sleep

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As the name suggests The Hideaway is located off the beaten track in Windermere. A true hidden gem, this restaurant with rooms is in fact a recently refurbished, elegant Victorian detached house. All the original features have been reclaimed and restored to their former glory from the ornate, stone window frames and a geometric tiled hallway. The house successfully marries the old and the new with a contemporary finish throughout. The 11 en-suite rooms run from comfy, super comfy to ultimate comfy. Run by Richard and Lisa Gornall the atmosphere sets a romantic feel and its a retreat for those who love good food and wine with the beauty of the lakes around them. Richard is an accomplished chef and the food here has been recognised with an AA Rosette, expect fine tableware in the two dining rooms with the best table affording views of the well kept garden. The menu features beautifully presented dishes that make the best use of the wealth of local produce available. With as much as possible being home made, simple modern British dishes offer a sense of place here. Welsh/Lancashire Rarebit with home made chutney, Fell-bred Cumbrian beef fillet and fun desserts like Chocolate Brownie Sundae. Here whether staying or dining you are made to feel special and the top level of service offers a real treat without breaking the bank. Restaurant open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday 7-9pm and for traditional Sunday lunch 12-2pm. Awards | 1 AA Rosette

Restaurant and Menus | Rooms | Treats and Extras

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The Samling enjoys a fantastic location perched above the shores of Lake Windermere. It’s set in its own 67-acre estate and the house, now a luxury hotel, dates back to 1780 and was once the home of William Wordworth’s landlord. It’s a magical place to stay with rooms in both the main building and the original estate cottages, most with lake views. The Samling is open to non-residents for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and the Michelin-starred restaurant serves a Modern British menu anchored upon local seasonal produce. Signature dishes include starters such as Slow-cooked belly of Gloucester Old Spot, langoustines and celeriac puree and mains like the Fillet of John Dory, kipper tortellini and caper berries. Choose from the dinner menu or the gourmand menu and match the classic cooking with an excellent 180-bin wine list. Awards | 1 Michelin Star | 3 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 4

Fine Dining | Business | Weddings | Accommodation

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The Ship Inn at Bowness enjoys an unrivalled location right on the shore of Lake Windermere and just a stroll away from the steamer pier. The large outside seating area is perfect for summer drinking and the traditional pub and restaurant inside directly overlooks the marina and features panoramic views of the lake. Food is served all day and there is a wide range of options including pub classics like Steak & ale pie, a steak selection, the ‘catch of the day’, pasta, salads and hand-made pizzas. The Ship Inn covers three floors with seating for more than 100 diners. The Quayside Sports Bar has giant TV screens whilst the top floor Wheelhouse Club & Lounge is the Lakes’ premier late night venue with a state-of-the-art light and sound system. Live music features at the Ship every weekend.

Food & Drink | Quayside Sports Bar

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Perfectly positioned central to Bowness and with the shore of Lake Windermere just yards away, The Village Inn has been under the same ownership and has retained the same local chef for 21 years. The reputation for quality food and drink has also been upheld, a testament to the management here. The old building was once part of the church opposite, its Manse or Ministers cottage. Recently refurbished the inn has a lovely blend of traditional and modern décor, including open beams and leather sofas. The bar offers up to 6 real ales, 3 or 4 of which are very local brews, there is a good wine list that offers 22 bins from around the globe. There is a separate dining area inside, beer garden and two al fresco terraces. Foodwise there is something for everyone and popular dishes include slow cooked, locally reared, Kentmere Lamb Henry and the steak and Black Sheep Bitter pie. Open for food in the Bar everyday 12-9pm and the restaurant, everyday 12-10pm.