“Two features are especially praiseworthy at this excellent small hotel, a 17th century former coaching inn situated in England's only mountain forest, with magnificent views over Skiddaw; the warmth of welcome from Kath and Liam, and Liam's cooking. Rooms are cottagey and comfortable, and fellow guests, many of them walkers, soon start chatting or playing Scrabble in front of the fire in the cosy sitting room.”
They say
“Anyone looking for a relaxing hideaway will find their ideal bolthole at the aptly named, The Cottage in the Wood country restaurant with rooms. Situated on Magic Hill in the heart of the only mountain forest in England, the retreat offers captivatingly beautiful and dramatic views across the Lake District national park. Enjoy the newly refurbished restaurants seasonal offerings, quickly growing in popularity with the local foodies, before bedding down in one of the nine cosy bedrooms.
A former 17th Century coaching inn, The Cottage in the Wood provides a peaceful and tranquil location, overlooking the Skiddaw mountain range. The hideaway airs an unspoilt magical quality sitting on a red squirrel nature reserve between the lakes of Bassenthwaite, Derwentwater, Buttermere and Crummock Water. Run by husband and wife, Liam (Chef patron) and Kath Berney (front of house), this year the management team are celebrating the completion of eight years of staggered refurbishments, culminating with the final touches to the restaurant. Liam and Kath are on hand to ensure every visitor has a truly unique and memorable experience proudly showing-off their humble abode.
Not to be outshone by the view is the stunning food offering, which has rapidly gained word of mouth popularity in the Lake District region and beyond. Guests can enjoy the sun setting on the mighty Skiddaw, through the conservatory windows of the newly extended and refurbished restaurant whilst tucking into award winning modern interpretations on European classics applied to local ingredients, such as confit of goosnargh duck with Cumbrian chorizo cassoulet. Or for an alternative breakfast dish, forest mushrooms with scrambled egg on sourdough toast gives a taste of the surrounding natural produce. All dishes are freshly prepared on the day, which includes home made breads, pasta and ice cream.
Chef/owner Liam Berney, previously at the Savoy, London, prides the restaurants offering on combining the best possible produce with seasonal ingredients to create simple and appealing meals. Liam comments, “The foundations of our food offering are down to our suppliers who are knowledgeable and have long established links with farmers and growers. They are our eyes and ears and regularly come up with something special for us to use in the kitchen. Our Galloway beef dish is a fantastic dish for a real taste of the region, The Galloway’s are small sturdy cattle that are reared on the Lakeland fells, they feed on wild grasses and heathers which contributes to the fine and distinctive flavour”.
For weary heads tired of exploring the surrounding trails and footpaths or following a day of mountain biking, select between one of nine simply furnished bedrooms for a restful night’s sleep. Both the Oak and Sycamore rooms provide stunning views across the forest valley, alternatively escape up to the attic suite for a good soak in the spacious roll top bath.”
