UK Restaurant Guide

This is the classic English country house experience and arguably where the whole concept first originated. Sharrow Bay overlooks Ullswater from its northeast shore and a quieter and more tranquil part of the Lake District you would be hard-pressed to find. It sits in 12 acres of private grounds and the views out over the lake from lounge, dining room and (most) bedrooms are simply sublime. Reassuringly formal without being overly stuffy, Sharrow Bay's public rooms and bedrooms are decorated with antiques, luxurious soft furnishings and fresh flowers from the hotel's own gardens.

Lunch is served at 1pm (three or five courses) and dinner at 8pm (six courses) with Head Chef Colin Akrigg - a 41-year veteran of the Sharrow Bay kitchen - delivering traditional and modern British dishes using quality local produce. Typical dishes might include Suissesse Souffle of Stilton, Onion & Spinach as a starter and Noisette of Venison with Apple Tarte Tatin, Red Onion Marmalade, Butternut Squash Puree and Juniper Berry & Rosemary Sauce as a main. Sticky toffee pudding was invented here in the 1970s and never leaves the dessert menu. The wine list is formidable with more than 700 bins, including plenty of magnums, half bottles and some classic 1961 Bordeaux.

Michelin:
One Star

AA:
Two Rosettes

Chef:
Colin Akrigg

Lunch:
3 courses, £32 (sample menu);
5 courses, £43 (sample menu). Seven days.

Dinner:
6 courses, £70 (sample menu). Seven days.

Wine List:
700+ bins

Accommodation:
24 rooms

Getting There:
About 20 minutes from Jn 40 of the M6 (Penrith)

Attractions:
Fell-walking, Ullswater steamer.

Contact Details:
Lake Ullswater,
Penrith,
CA10 2LZ,
Tel: 0871 811 4662
Sharrow Bay website
Email Sharrow Bay