STYLE BIBLE
August 2010

When we arrived at The Swan Hotel & Spa I couldn’t help but smile. It was the quintessential English summer evening that you always hope for – the sun was shining and we were enveloped by the peaceful surroundings that the Lake District is renowned for; it was time to un-wind.

The Swan Hotel & Spa recently re-opened its door to the public following a £4million refurbishment and epitomises everything you would expect from an understated luxury retreat – warm and welcoming hospitality, comfy rooms and first-class dining. It really is hard to believe that just under a year ago, this beautiful Hotel was completely destroyed by the horrifying floods last November. Talking with the staff, they explained how the events of that fateful day took place. Over the course of a few hours, the River Leven’s waters continued to dramatically rise, culminating in the flooding and destruction of the Hotel – fortunately all guests were safely evacuated. But as they say, there is always a silver lining and now the Hotel really is looking fantastic, having undergone a total design overhaul using Design Guild prints and Andrew Martin furniture to create its retro-chic style.

The hotel also has a great family story behind it. Roland Bardsley – a local entrepreneur - used to drop in by helicopter every week to The Swan Hotel & Spa, his favourite place for Sunday lunch, and he privately told staff that if it ever came up for sale, he would buy it. A few years later... he did just that. The Swan still remains in the Bardsley family today, complete with its very own helipad.

After checking-in, I decided to treat myself to an ESPA hot stone back, neck and shoulders massage in the VU Spa. Had I been staying longer, I definitely would have tested out more of their treatments – there are so many to choose from. Body polishes, salt and oil scrubs, a variety of full body massages and mud wraps as well as Leighton Denny manicures and pedicures.

Our evening meal was prepared by Steve Darvill, the Swan’s Executive Chef, who has already flexed his culinary muscles at some of the UK’s top kitchens – including Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and Cliveden. His passion for preparing simple yet with flavoursome dishes with locally sourced ingredients was something I was eager to experience. Having already ear-marked a mouth-watering selection of cheeses for dessert, I decided to skip starters and plunge straight in with a main course. Without any hesitation, my partner chose the rack of Lakeland lamb with dauphinoise potatoes and peas à la française – cooked with a mouth-watering creamy bacon sauce. Whilst I was swayed by the roasted Goosnargh duck breast, accompanied by a shallot potato gratin, bok choy, baby spinach and orchard jus. The duck was cooked to perfection and quite simply melted in my mouth.

To accompany this feast, we choose a bottle of 2001 Lindara Shiraz, Clarendon Hills Shiraz – one of the many from their extensive wine list. To finish we shared The Swan’s signature cheese board – which included Montgomery cheddar, Colston Basset Stilton and the dreamy Epoisses de Bourgogne, all accompanied by a lovely jelly homemade with the French wines Gewurztraminer, Pfaffenheim and Alsace. The sweet- toothed can enjoy a selection of indulgent puddings including a heavenly salted caramel chocolate tart, Windermere ice cream made from local organic milk and iced orange and chocolate parfait with Seville orange sauce.

It really comes as no surprise that food and wine lovers travel miles to sample some of this fine cuisine. And for those who are able to visit during the summer, meals can also be enjoyed alfresco by the riverside. All rooms have been furnished with the guests’ comfort in mind – from the luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries and the crisp Egyptian cotton sheets to the ipod docking stations and the free wi-fi network that is on offer. We were lucky to be staying in one of the deluxe rooms with stunning views of the River Leven. Although the equally lovely Potter Suite, inspired by the local resident Beatrix, is ideal for couples wanting a romantic break and newly weds on their first night.

A trip to The Swan is ideal for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing break. Its prime location on the southern tip of Lake Windermere, makes it the ideal base from where to explore all that the Lake District has to offer. For reservations, visit www.swanhotel.com or call 015395 31681. Double rooms on a B&B basis from £99 per night.