‘I cannot recommend it highly enough,’ concludes a visitor to this little hotel in postcard-pretty Grasmere. ‘I do wish there were more family-owned and family-run hotels of this quality around.’ The Winslands – Kevin, Nicki and two daughters – run their Victorian country house hotel with an assured hand, from the ‘immaculately presented’ bedrooms to the extensive dinner menu. There are views to Helm Crag, and a garden running down to the River Rothay. The ‘very comfortable’ lounges, with log fires, ‘make a superb venue to enjoy canapés and drinks’ before dinner. The latter puts a European spin on local dishes: Herdwick lamb with pea purée and tarragon pesto, perhaps, or sea bass with stir-fry and cashew nuts. ‘How good to see kippers, haddock and salmon on the breakfast menu,’ writes another reviewer, who also rhapsodises about the home-made bread. Bedrooms, all with views, are modern, with breezy colours, feature walls and simple furnishings. ‘In all our travels around the UK, 
we cannot recall another hotel that offers food 
and service of this quality at such a bargain price.’ (Ian Dewey, B and JH)