SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel

The Gilpin is a grand old country house, fitting perfectly into its Lakeland setting. As well as beautiful rooms in the main building, there are stunning spa lodges and garden suites in the lovely grounds. Source is the restaurant, and it’s very much a culinary destination. You can relax in the bar or on the terraces before being shown through to one of the three dining rooms, where every table has fresh flowers, candles at night and crisp white linen, while friendly, switched-on and attentive staff provide perfect service. Chef Ollie Bridgewater (previously at The Fat Duck), has recently taken the reins in the kitchen here and brings a passion for detail and ingredients of the highest quality. Each dining room has its own character and style, and sustainability is a focus of the seasonal tasting menu. The wine list is excellent, and you can expect skilful, precise cooking, with every dish a picture perfect Instagrammable dream. The clean flavours of gin and tonic with cucumber is a G&T in a single mouthful and a great beginning to a spring meal. Next up, a crisp tapioca cracker is topped with a vibrant seaweed emulsion and small dice of rich, smoked eel. Breads and canapés are a real strength here, and a course of cod loin with almond, asparagus, roe, jamon is visually delightful as well as delicious. Tender ‘Reuben’ braised beef with pickles and mustard is a decadent dish with a huge depth of flavour. Full of beautifully harmonious flavours, sushi rice pudding comes with well-judged miso caramel, sesame, and fantastic sake ice cream, while fresh English strawberry compôte contrasts with a light and creamy lavender mousse, a real taste of early summer, accompanied by an exceptional reduced milk ice cream.

Awards, accolades & Welcome Schemes

3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence

AA Notable Wine List