The Ultimate Foodie Escape in the Lake District : The Gilpin experience

The Vibe – Picture this – A luxurious, five-star Lake District getaway split across two equally fabulous but totally distinct locations. First, you have the main boutique hotel—a chic, 30-room sanctuary. Just a mile down the road lies the Lake House, an ultra-private, six-bedroom estate tucked away in its own secluded grounds. While both spots offer pure tranquility, they are famous for serving up two polar-opposite, world-class dining experiences right on-site.

SOURCE Restaurant – The fancy Michelin starred option serving up very high end seasonal tasting menus made with high quality British ingredients.

GILPIN SPICE Restaurant – The laid back option , a 2 AA Rosette Pan Asian restaurant with an open kitchen serving up sharing plates , Asian tapas and stunning sushi inspired by old spice routes.

The Location.

You will find this hidden treasure just outside Windermere, wrapped in the rolling hills of the English Lake District National Park. Because the main hotel and the Lake house sit a short distance apart in stunning, peaceful woodland, the property runs an on-demand guest shuttle to whisk you between the two seamlessly.

What`s Cooking ?

Source restaurants turns out high end modern british fine dining with subtle international twists. High priority is placed on pristine , seasonal ingredients , local Cumbrian produce and quality British seafood.

Chef Kevin Scanlan is the visionary steering the kitchen at Source.Though he only took the reins six months ago, he has already seamlessly maintained the restaurant’s legendary streak—proudly holding onto its Michelin star every single year since 2016. Before arriving at Gilpin, Chef Kevin sharpened his knives alongside some of the absolute titans of the culinary world. He crafted his skills under the superb Chef Tom Kerridge at the two-star Hand & Flowers, moved on to the critically acclaimed The Angel at Hetton (with Michael Wignall), and polished his craft at the ultra-prestigious, three-Michelin-starred The Ledbury under Brett Graham. One word: WOW. Talk about a serious culinary Resume !

What to Expect

Expect modern British fine dining where pristine Cumbrian produce and quality British seafood take centre stage. The plating is precise and sophisticated , our rich Duck and Venison main courses were absolute showstoppers that highlighted the team’s incredible respect for local provenance.

The Must-Order Dish

Because the kitchen operates a constantly evolving, hyper-seasonal tasting menu, there is no single signature dish to pin down. The menu changes seamlessly with the rhythm of the seasons, meaning whatever culinary magic you experience during your visit will likely be a unique, lifetime memory.

The Damage (What It`s going to cost you)

The Lake House: Rooms start at £430 per night (including a fabulous breakfast).
The Main Hotel Spa Suites: If you are looking to indulge in pure, unadulterated luxury, these come with a premium tag starting at £1,250 per night.
Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal hotel offers where you can often bag a gorgeous entry-level room at the main hotel for around £395.
The Tasting Menu: Dinner at SOURCE is a beautifully paced 6-course set menu (plus delightful pre- and post-dinner nibbles) for £145 per person. For lunchtime diners there`s a 3-course lunch option for £75 (with nibbles)
The Wine Pairings: Pair your meal with the sommelier’s expertly curated ‘Taster’ wine pairing for £95, or upgrade to the ‘Premium’ pairing for £195.

The Insider Secret

If you crave absolute silence and total seclusion, book your stay at the Lake House. At night, the private gates close to the public, leaving you with nothing but pure privacy, starlight, and a complete escape from the outside world. The lounges are blissfully quiet, boasting a magnificently stocked honesty bar, cozy books, and a private spa for pampering. When you do want a bit of bustle, the shops, cafes, and lively pubs of Windermere are just a 10-minute drive away.

The Atmosphere

Despite its five-star credentials, Gilpin completely sheds any stuffy hotel pretension. Because it is family-owned, the staff treat you like old friends. The vibe feels exactly like a gorgeous, welcoming family home that has opened its arms to let you into its world.

How to Do It Right

To master your stay, copy our itinerary and pull off the ultimate “Gilpin Triple”:

Check in , explore , relax with Champagne and then indulge in a spectacular, Michelin-starred dinner at SOURCE in the evening.
Enjoy a long, lazy lie-in the next morning before treating yourself to a classic Cumbrian breakfast.
Check out, take a stroll, and finish your trip with a vibrant, late lunch cooked by Chef Ralph Rojas and his the team at Gilpin Spice.

The Verdict

An exceptional, world-class destination that delivers exactly what it promises: pure luxury. It is a stunning, unforgettable Lakeland escape right in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage site. We would return in a heartbeat.

Restaurant Address – Gilpin hotel and Lake house , Crook road , Windermere , CUMBRIA, LA23 3NE. Phone – 01539488818

Website – www.thegilpin.co.uk

Menu & Nibbles