Haweswater Hotel

Hotel review

Built in 1937, when the valley was flooded to create Haweswater Reservoir, the hotel’s interiors were at the cutting-edge of design, in the fashionable Art Deco-Modernist style. Many original features have been restored including parquet and patterned linoleum, dado panelling, a wide oak staircase and tall metal-framed windows. The latter flood rooms with light and, as all the public rooms, plus two-thirds of the bedrooms face the lake, this makes for beguiling viewing.

The owners have sourced authentic furniture and fittings to retain the period feel – fireplaces (with real fires), bureaux, sideboards, chrome-framed armchairs and leather sofas, as well as light fittings, mirrors and clocks. Nice touches include framed advertising posters of the period plus a lovely 1930s background soundtrack. Bedrooms, too, are furnished in an approximate 1930s style with rich wall colourings, enamelled bedsteads, rugs on oak floors, and Art Deco or Art Nouveau wardrobes. Nicely uncluttered, they’re very restful although rear rooms are often smaller and lack the spectacular views – however, they’re priced accordingly.

Food is upmarket brasserie, such as a spicy bouillabaisse, herb-crusted lamb and rather wonderful desserts. Fuel up on their cooked-to-order breakfasts and take a walk up Harter Fell for glorious views over the lake.

Helen Pickles