As dusk descends on Windermere's splendid environs, the convivial atmosphere at The Oakthorpe Hotel's Lamplighter Bar and Restaurant in High Street picks up pace with guests gathering for an evening of bonhomie after a day well spent. Friendly staff fosters the party spirit in an 'olde world' ambience as the well-loved aromas of traditional British food waft in to whet the appetite.

A menu that showcases local produce, especially fresh fish delivered daily from Fleetwood, offers patrons time tested culinary delights such as smoked salmon, potted shrimps, battered haddock with tartare sauce, whole Dover sole, grilled local trout and rope mussels in a wine, cream and garlic sauce. They can also choose from homemade duck liver pâté with granary bread, tortellini filled with ricotta cheese, fillet steak in a special whisky and red wine sauce and roasted rack of Cumbrian lamb with mint gravy. If spicy fare beckons, there's choice of korma, Madras and vindaloo with prawn, chicken, beef or mushroom. Unwind at leisure with a glass of Chablis or Pinot Noir, or a pint of real ale.