At Hazel Bank Country House - Allerdale

Precis: Wow! Excellent! Any other superlative you choose! Full review: What a wonderful gem of a find! From the start the welcome was warm and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for Gary, Donna and their team; what a diamond they have found in Jack! The quality of the furnishings is very high, the fittings top class and the home made biscuits in the bedroom were delicious! Even a welcome decanter of sherry to start off your stay! The hallway walls are adorned with award plaques from numerous organisations! The grounds were extensive and very well kept. We had read about the wild red squirrels and hoped we may get to spot one no fears there; we watched them running around the garden and feeder each day! Now for the food! Absolutely excellent! Each evening started at 7pm with canapés and good conversation with fellow guests, most of whom seem to be repeat visitors, with good reason! Gary is very personable and quite the bon viveur, his knowledge of wine is excellent, after all by his own admission he has been in the game for a good number of years! The four course dinner menu is set, no choices, but the menu is on display each morning and I'm sure that alternatives could be organised if enough notice were given. Each course was exquisite, served piping hot (where appropriate! and presented beautifully, as was the table in general. Service was efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast was just as good! Hazel Bank has seven rooms and the restaurant is open only to residents. All this means that each guest gets very personal, and personable, service from start to finish! If you think that this review is a little enthusiastic then I doubt you've visited! Don't get me wrong, it isn't for everybody and nowhere is totally perfect, but Hazel Bank gets VERY close!

Beautiful hotel,fantastic host,food was excellent,location for walks straight from the door superb,faultless experience throughout,couldn't of asked for anymore highly recommend and not to mention the red squirrels.

A lovely large house in quiet Borrowdale. Service was excellent. Rooms excellent Evening meal, 5 courses, excellent. Breakfast was excellent in a lovely dining room. Large lounge to relax in. The gardens are large with lovely views. Parking very easy. A good bus service from the end of the drive.

This is a very comfortable small hotel with truly excellent food and wonderful friendly service. Excellent value for money and a lovely countryside location with wonderful wildlife and birds.

Visited at lunch time. Was rudely approached by a member of the staff. Was made to feel like an intruder. Awful customer service! Don’t waste your time or money to stay here! If you can…stop at Lodore Falls hotel further down the road. Fantastic facilities and first class service!