Hazel Bank Country House Hotel

The hotel’s setting is idyllic, the rooms are great and the food is fabulous. We’ve stayed at Hazel Bank several times and Gary, Donna and the staff have always made us feel welcome. Can’t wait to go back.

We had a five-course evening meal and a very good breakfast in a lovely dining room. There’s also a large lounge to relax in, and the big gardens have lovely views. The house is spacious and set in quiet Borrowdale. Service and rooms were excellent, parking was easy, and there’s a good bus service from the end of the drive.

We watched wild red squirrels in the garden and at the feeder every day, and the extensive grounds were beautifully kept. Hazel Bank is a real gem. The welcome from Gary, Donna and the team was warm, and nothing seemed too much trouble. Jack was a diamond. Our room had high-quality furnishings and fittings, delicious homemade biscuits, and a welcome decanter of sherry. There are award plaques all along the hall walls. Dinner begins at 7pm with canapés and a chance to chat with other guests. Many seem to come back, and it’s easy to see why. Gary is personable and knows a lot about wine, having been in the business for years. The four-course menu is set, with no choices, but it’s shown each morning and I’m sure alternatives could be arranged with enough notice. Every course was exquisite, piping hot where appropriate, and beautifully presented. The table looked lovely, too. Service was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable, and breakfast was just as good. There are seven rooms, and the restaurant is only for residents, which makes for personal, friendly service from start to finish. This place gets very close to perfect, though I know it won’t suit everyone and no place is completely perfect. Maybe this sounds over the top, but I doubt you’d say so if you’d visited. Wow, excellent, whatever other superlative you like!

Gary and Donna made me feel so welcome, and my room was flawless, with incredible views of the Lakeland fells. The food was five-star, possibly some of the best I’ve ever had, thanks to the new chef Darren. The presentation and taste were both amazing. Hazel Bank Country House is in a superb location and is without a doubt the best hotel I’ve stayed in. Thanks for making my Lake District trip so memorable. I’d recommend it 100%.