The Good Hotel Guide is the leading independent guide to hotels in Great Britain & Ireland, and also covers parts of Continental Europe. The Guide was first published in 1978. It is written for the reader seeking impartial advice on finding a good place to stay. Hotels cannot buy their way into the Guide. The editors and inspectors do not accept free hospitality on their anonymous visits to hotels. All hotels in the Guide receive a free basic listing. A fee is charged for a full web entry.
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The Cottage in the Wood
Braithwaite, Cumbria
A whitewashed cottage on a steep woodland pass may seem an unlikely setting for Michelin-starred dining, but this restaurant-with-rooms charms both the eye and the palate.
Good Hotel Guide Review
The hotel experts at the Good Hotel Guide
A whitewashed cottage on a steep woodland pass may seem an unlikely setting for Michelin-starred dining, but this restaurant-with-rooms charms both the eye and the palate. Liam and Kath Berney's former 17th-century drovers' inn, in Whinlatter Forest, enjoys views to Skiddaw and a rural environment that teems with birds and wildlife. It's 'immensely relaxing', as is Kath's warm welcome. Rooms have a neat, contemporary style with feature wallpapers, oak furniture and perhaps a brass bedstead. Some are 'small but well designed'. Modern bathrooms, some compact, have 'good lighting and a decent shower'. Nice touches include 'delicious home-made shortbread' and, for rooms with a tub, 'bath soak – perfect for easing walkers' limbs!' Sam Miller, the new head chef, has an impressive Michelin pedigree (the three-star Noma in Copenhagen and two-star Faviken in Sweden). His sample menus might include saddle of Herdwick hogget with cauliflower, romanesco and wild watercress, or roasted langoustine with celeriac, brown butter, celery and black cabbage. The wine list is 'thoughtful and has strengthened since our last visit', says a returning reader. Breakfast includes 'the creamiest of scrambled eggs'. (Ingle Dawson, HP)
Hotel Details
Address
Magic Hill, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Cumbria, CA12 5TW, England
Telephone
Bedroom
9. 1 in the garden with separate entrance.
Openings
all year except 25-30 Dec, some other dates throughout the year (call to check). Closed Sun, Mon, Tues.
Background Music
none.
Children
not under 10.
Dogs
not allowed.
Credit Cards
Amex, MC, Visa.
Prices
D,B&B doubles (with tasting menu) from £420. Lunch £95, 7-course tasting dinner menu £120. Min. 2-night booking but ring to check 1-night availability.
Facilities
lounge, restaurant, in-room TV, secure bicycle storage, terraced garden, 2 acres of woodland, restaurant and public areas wheelchair accessible, adapted toilet.
Location
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