The Samling, Windermere: hotel and restaurant review

Sitting on a hill overlooking Lake Windermere, this 12-bedroom Georgian house (and its ultra-modern, glass-fronted, fine-dining restaurant) overlook some of the most epic views in the Lake District.

What's the vibe?

Luxurious and surprisingly modern, the décor is a calm and restrained palette of dove-greys, silver, sage and powder blues, with textured wallpapers, sleek furniture, silver accessories and generous layers of perfectly coiffed, velvety soft furnishings. Service is formal and the atmosphere hushed - it’s not a place for a raucous knees-up.

Which room should I book at The Samling?

Other than the classic rooms, they’re all decadently large and most overlook Lake Windermere. Loweswater has a super-king bed that overlooks the lake, while Rydal Water, in prime position at the front of the house, looks over the hotel’s water gardens and Windermere beyond.

What's the food and drink like?

Headed by Gidleigh-trained Robby Jenks, menus focus on classical cuisine with an Asian twist. Much of the fresh produce is picked from the hotel’s kitchen garden, fruit and nut orchards. Three- and five-course menus come with a choice of dishes, including octopus with sweet potato, shiitake and dashi, pigeon with turtle beans and Indian spices, and, for dessert, figs with mulled wine and hazelnuts.

Breakfast

Breakfasts are cooked to order and choices include yogurt with homemade granola, kedgeree and omelettes as well as a traditional full English (ask for a table out on the terrace if it’s a sunny day).

What else can foodies do at this Windermere hotel?

Treat yourselves to afternoon tea after a hike around the surrounding fells. Or, book a personal wine tasting for an in-depth introduction to the hotel’s wine cellar.

Is it family friendly?

Children aged eight and over are welcome.

olive tip

Bathe under the stars in the outdoor tub, set apart from the hotel in the woods.

thesamlinghotel.co.uk

Written by Suzy Bennett, January 2020