Restaurant at Holbeck Ghyll Reviews

Four of us had dinner at Holbeck Ghyll over Easter weekend 2009 and were disappointed. The staff were doing their best but failed to impress and were long way off expectations of a Michelin star restaurant. Food was too expensive for its quality.

We were looking forward to go there but the place fell short of our expectations. The set menu lunch was off, so we had to pay extra for the 'lighter meal', which to me is completely unreasonable. We were not able to eat in a dining room, instead we had to sit around a tiny makeshift table in the lounge, which was not very comfortable. I’m sure set lunch and dinner will be amazing. The service was nice and the food quite lovely but we left disappointed.

The hotel has a marvellous view of Lake Windermere. It was a very pleasing to sit in one of the lounges pre dinner and enjoy the scenery. Holbeck Ghyll feels like a well worn in country house. For a one star Michelin restaurant, I was a bit disappointed in their tasting menu - there were one scallop, terrine - not pan fried foie gras, boudin blanc, venison, dessert and cheese - the best as there is a good variety of local cheese with good description of its origins. The food was not impressive for a Michelin star restaurant, especially when compared to others around the Cumbria area. What was most disappointing was the restaurant ambiance. I felt like I was eating at a pub rather than a fine dining establishment. There are two parts to the restaurant. One part has tablecloth but where I was dining, it didn’t. It is fine if the tables are nice but with the wall panelling and the pub like tables, I din’t feel like I was sitting in a fine dining establishment. For the price of the meal, there are a lot more choices available in the Lake District. On the upside, the service staff were efficient and pleasant. The wine list has some really nice wine at reasonable prices.

I have eaten at Holbeck Ghyll twice – once, on my wife’s birthday and the second time it was for a family reunion. The food was superbly prepared and presented. I’d be delighted with any of their dishes on the menu. It more than lived up to its high reputation for food, drink and service. The location is stunning with what must be one of Britain's best views towards Scafell Pike over the end of Windermere. Go there. Treat yourself. You will not be disappointed.