The Windermere Speakeasy

Cedar Manor

➤ Ambleside Rd, LA23 1AX, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Steak • British • European • Vegetarian

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"This review is strictly on the afternoon tea experience only. The food was absolutely wonderful, the lady who served food and the male staff (presumed the owner) were both very kind and friendly. I felt that the afternoon tea was an absolute treat since there was nothing to fault with, that was only until it was ruined by the rude woman who was driving past in black 4x4 (presumed female host). After we finished the afternoon tea, I decided to let my dog out from our car to let him stretch his legs before we set off, the rude woman mentioned above asked me if I was looking for a public footpath so I answered no. She then started to lecture me about the ‘no dog policy’ in the property as well as pointing a direction to the public footpath I did not ask. She drove further towards the car park and parked there, got out of her, and started to tell me off in the most rude way possible again. I explained that we just had an afternoon tea here and we’re about to leave. She then turned around started to take stuff out of her boot mumbling loud “stupid..blah blah” in the angry tone, which by the way was clear for me to hear even though I was at least a few feet away from her. I was so bewildered and frustrated at how this perfectly lovely experience went down the hill like this si quickly. Hence I took two stars off even though I did enjoy the food here. Whoever that woman was, please make sure that they cannot behave that way to a guest."

San Pietro Windermere

➤ Jester Court, Birch Street, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Pizza • Pasta • Steak • Italian

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"We recently had the best Italian food in a long time, if not ever. The restaurant was conveniently located next to our B&B and we were fortunate to snag a table without a reservation. The food was exceptional. The focaccia bread was wonderfully crispy yet soft, and the calamari rings focused on the calamari itself rather than the breading. The standout dishes were the seafood ravioli and tiramisu. The ravioli was filled generously, with velvety pasta and perfectly balanced and seasoned sauce. The tiramisu had the ideal ratio of mascarpone cream to coffee and liqueur-soaked biscuits (usually it can be too heavy with too much mascarpone). Additionally, San Pietro offers an extensive cocktail menu and the service is fast and extremely friendly."

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

➤ Crook Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3NE, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Tea • Tapas • Hotels • Chicken

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"This felt like such a treat. The service is impeccable, I felt unworthy of the treatment! Beautiful flavours in the food – my mouth is watering reminiscing! I had a prawn and mussel curry which was incredible and with a generous portion of prawns and mussels. Unfortunately there was some grit in the mussels, however the feedback was received amicably and without issue. Gilpin Spice kindly offered us two free desserts on the house; we shared a mango mousse which was delicious. The interior of the restaurant was stunning, exquisite details and such a warmth at the counter seating. I will say the lighting in the room we were in was quite cold and bright, which on a dark evening is not ideal. I say this a devoted advocate to warm lighting. We were pleasantly surprised when the bill arrived; we had been preparing for an eye-watering sum but were happy to pay for what we had had."

Watermill Inn Brewing Co.

➤ Ings, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Pub • Steak • Seafood • British

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"Avoid if in a group. Initially really good and very accomadating. 5 stars. Food, when it arrived, fantastic. Service was appalling. Nobody gave 2 sh*ts if we were happy, sad, had everything we needed etc. We were a group of 12 people, happy to drink the bar dry if needed. Soured by not bringing out one of the meals until over an hour after everyone else had received theirs. Repeatedly asked where it was, only to be told it was 10 mins away . Initially happy with a free pint and 25% off for the first delay, but this happened 4 times until the food arrived (with no additional compensation, had to fight to get the meal knocked off . I 'd have been much happier with a yeah sorry we screwed it up, here 's some stuff to keep you happy rather than the attitude of well it 's not our fault, we 're not going to admit it, and you 're getting nothing out of it . As it was over an hour late for someones food, I asked the bar for a round of drinks for the table becuase we 're going to have to wait extra for the guy to eat his food. Told no and I was being absurd (because it 's my fault that the food was late?? I don 't care about freebies, just care about good service and respect in return for mistakes. Own up to them and ow them. Not delivering on orders and not owning up to a mistake (even after being asked 4 times is really bad customer management."

Graze

➤ 4 Crag Brow House, LA23 3BU, South Lakeland, United Kingdom

Coffee • British • European • Vegetarian

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"I recently dined at this restaurant for lunch and was thoroughly impressed. The price per person was between £10-20, which I found to be very reasonable. The food was top-notch, receiving a perfect score of 5. The service was also exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff earning another 5. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also fantastic, with a cozy and welcoming ambiance that added to the overall dining experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious meal with great service and a wonderful atmosphere."