A special occasion necessitated this return visit. Fiftieth wedding anniversary. Yes, we didn’t know the numbers went that high either. 

After a riotous postponed fortieth party, this time we went for low key – I.e. just two old folks on a short weekend away. The attraction of the Cottage is (1) the setting with views of Skiddaw from the dining room (2) resident red squirrels and, oh, (3) the food. We weren’t disappointed. To be fair it should have been an easy contest after the disaster of Terra, but it was really, really good. Maybe the best…?

The weather (August Bank Holiday) was ‘mixed’. Sun and a great walk up Latrigg Fell to get the appetite going followed by a Sunday of the best of torrential rain that the Lake District can muster. More shopping in George Fisher and a visit to Blackwell, since you ask.

So, The Cottage in the Wood…

• Elderflower Bellini and Gooseberry and Hot Honey Margarita
• Tomato, Chawanmushi, Basil 
• Rosemary, Pine, Potato Bread 
• Courgette, Verbena, Mint
• Pea, Cappelletti, Allerdale
• Lobster, Nectarine, Fine beans
• Beef, Chimichurri, Broccoli – the standout dish; simply stunning Belted Galloway; the ‘main’ is so often a disappointment
• Apricot, Kernel, Burnt milk
• Strawberry, Sesame, Yoghurt

We didn’t go for the wine flight, but had some excellent glasses of white organic Gut Oggau ‘Theadora’, red Blaufrankisch ‘Heidbogen’ and some pink L’archetipo to go with the second pud – ‘not the first, wait…!’

One of the very best meals ever and a worthy choice for a very special occasion. We’ll definitely be back – two nights probably.

Restaurant with rooms The Cottage in the Wood

 …and we stayed at The Drunken Duck for two nights afterwards. Different offering this time with mostly veg dishes, with venison and rabbit as two game offerings. Wouldn’t suit everyone. Expensive (two courses £45) for food which was very lacking in flavour, and not particularly well cooked. After over 15 years of staying we’re looking for an alternative in the Lakes.

 …and we did a great walk from Skelwith Bridge via Slaters bridge and the pub at Elterwater.

Our room…