The Place
This place, long in our printed guide, underwent a major transformation since our last visit. The new owners have converted it from a small ‘house party’ country hotel into a contemporary restaurant-with-rooms. A new chef is in the kitchen, but they continue to produce inspired dishes that are still served in the spectacular beamed Great Hall.
Their menu is smart, punchy and each dish comes paired with a wine recommendation. Our most recent visit confirms that the food is superlative: we couldn’t remember eating so well in five years of travelling in British hotels.
Parts of the Hall date back to the 15th century when a hamlet grew up around the ‘hipping’ or stepping stones across the beck. After a strenuous day on the Howgill Fells, you can relax in the bar-sitting area with open (gas-log) fire. There are six cool, white bedrooms in the main house and three ‘cottage’ rooms across the courtyard. They’ve got a lovely, calm and relaxed atmosphere, as has the rest of the hotel.