Luxury hotel Rothay Manor underwent dramatic changes and refurbishment in 2016, but has kept the stunning Lake District at the heart of everything it does.
One year. All the difference.
Time goes quickly these days. Modern life zips past in such a flash - even in a place as timeless and relaxing as the Lake District. But a lot can get done, as Rothay Manor in Ambleside has proven.
Cumbria’s country house hotel dedicated itself to improving its service last year, and as such has undergone some huge changes. For starters, the kitchen has been shaken up into an entirely new team, working tirelessly to cater for guests keen to indulge in some fine dining. Other new additions to the team include a wedding co-ordinator, making Rothay Manor an attractive destination for wedding parties.
In fact, the management is keen to show people just how much of a beautiful location Rothay Manor is for weddings. The upcoming free wedding fayre means people will be able to explore the place for themselves, speak to a whole host of local suppliers and enjoy a taste demonstration by head chef Brandon Shepherd, sampling some of the seasonal food from Rothay Manor’s new Spring menu.
The fayre is also the perfect excuse to reveal the hotel’s updated features. The interior public areas were recently renovated and the rest of the hotel will soon follow. A room at the back of the hotel that used to be unwanted and a little on the shabby side was completely refitted into a space for guests to unwind. It’s now a snug dining room, more comfortable and informal than the fine dining tables elsewhere in the hotel. This new dining room offers homely, relaxed food and gives people that extra option when deciding where to spend the evening.
For something a little more relaxed and casual than a sit-down meal, the new terrace outside the front of the hotel is a bright, sunny place to enjoy afternoon tea and drinks from the restaurant.
But if guests are seeking more structure than just drinks on the terrace, Rothay Manor has introduced a new quarterly wine evening event. It’s designed to be an experience for all the senses, pairing wines with a three-course menu. One of the matches will be a classic combination of wine and food, the other will be something a little different, making these events an excellent culinary adventure for wine lovers and new tasters alike. Nearer Christmas the hotel will host a champagne taster, and even host a producer evening, offering drinks from France and Spain.
But after all the changes - the refurbishments, the updated menus, the new events - the core attractions of the Lake District remain the same. Beautiful walks through rugged mountains, cycling past beautiful lakes or just picnics overlooking stunning vistas. Rothay Manor continues to keep that at the heart of everything it does.
For this hotel, the last year has been full of its own challenges and obstacles. But the road ahead is bright. Here’s to another one.
Rothay Manor is a luxury hotel in Ambleside, Cumbria. Call 01539 433605 or visit rothaymanor.co.uk to book. You can also follow Rothay Manor on Facebook and Twitter.
