Oak Bank
Grasmere, Cumbria
Good Hotel Guide Review
An anniversary in 2020, and a valediction: a century after this Victorian private house first opened to paying guests, and 13 years after they took over, Glynis and Simon Wood are preparing to retire. They will be missed by those readers who have ‘stayed many times and always enjoyed the visit’. The spruce and contemporary interiors include bedrooms ranging from the smallest ‘standard’ with shower room, to a spacious ‘superior’; all have still and sparkling water, Bath House toiletries. Second-floor superior-view rooms have a double-ended bath with rain shower over; king-size beds perfectly positioned to enjoy spectacular mountain views through big windows. A fire burns in the newly refurbished lounge with huge, modern armchairs, neutral decor, while in the dining room and conservatory, Matt Clarke’s ‘delicious and imaginative gourmet’ dishes include Goosnargh duck breast, spring roll, king carrot, tenderstem broccoli, soy and sesame jus. Breakfast brings fresh-baked bread and croissants, a daily smoothie, a kipper. As we go to press, the hotel is up for sale. We hope that whoever follows will continue to offer the fine hospitality of these ‘very friendly hosts’. (WS and others)
Hotel details
Address
Broadgate
Grasmere
Cumbria
LA22 9TA
England
Telephone
015394 35217
Bedrooms
13. 1 on ground floor.
Open
all year except 15–26 Dec, 5–23 Jan, 2–13 Aug.
Facilities
lounge, bar, restaurant, conservatory dining room, free Wi-Fi, in-room TV (Freeview), ½-acre garden, unsuitable for disabled.
Background music
classical at breakfast, ‘easy listening’ at dinner.
Children
all ages welcomed (not under 10 in restaurant or public rooms after 6 pm).
Dogs
allowed in 3 bedrooms, front lounge.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B single £82–£156, double £82–£190. À la carte £38, tasting menu £65. 1-night bookings usually refused weekends.
10% discount voucher
This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 10% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night’s stay. To take advantage of this offer, you must present the voucher at the time of booking.
Guide Book Vouchers
Guide Book VouchersThis hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate for a single night’s stay. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150.
Buy the guideUpgrade voucher
This hotel accepts room upgrade vouchers which entitle readers to a space available room upgrade. The voucher must be presented at check-in and is entirely at the hotelier’s discretion.
Comments about Oak Bank