The Queen's Head Hotel

The Queen's Head Hotel

I was particularly looking forward to staying at the The Queens Head hotel, given that I am fond of quirky old buildings with heaps of character and it did not disappoint. Admittedly it was a little hard to find as I was travelling from Ambleside by Sat Nav, however once I got my bearings I realised that there was a much easier route and that the hotel was actually located on a busy A road. It was a mere 15 minutes from Ambleside and Windermere, so good access to the local towns and attractions.

 

The building was originally a 17th century coaching inn and the interior still utilised some of the original features to blend the modem with the traditional. The parking was good, plenty of room and set back from the road. When we first set foot inside, there was a huge bar made from a four poster bed, which was not only unusual but beautiful. We were greeted by Elena, the supervisor, who showed us to our twin room and made the check in process very fast and pleasant.

 

The room was brightly decorated in bold colours and had all of the necessary amenities. There was tea and coffee making facilities, with a complimentary box of chocolates, short bread and fresh flowers, along with a greeting card hoping that we enjoyed our stay. The room was adorned with personal touches such as teddy bears on each bed, games such as dominos and a selection reading material.  

 

The bathroom was immaculate with a choice of free shampoos, conditioners and body wash if you had forgotten to bring your own. There were plenty of towels and extra pillows. The wardrobe in the adjoining room had hangers, a heater and hair dryer.

 

The menu, which was left in the room as well as in the restaurant, was a gastro pub selection, made by the owner and his son. The information left in the rom said that this was changed six times every year given the frequency of the regulars, so they do not get bored with the same selection of food.

 

We both had a starter and main course, my Father had Blackened Cajon Salmon topped with pink grapefruit caviar and crème freche, served with mango, cucumber and coriander salsa. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the ingredients complimented the fresh fish perfectly.

 

This was followed by award winning Herdwick Hogget lamb and kidney suet pudding, served with fondant potato, creamed cabbage, honey roast chantenay carrots and rosemary gravy. This dish was succulent and melted in your mouth, the suet pasty, was delicate.

 

I had local free range chicken skewers in fiery bang began marinade with crispy salad of fresh leaves toasted peanuts, cantelope melon and picked beansprouts, topped with sesame seed croutons. The fruity taste of the melon complimented the creaminess of the peanut sauce and the crunchy peanuts and croutons. The chicken was moist and the coating was just the right spiciness for me.

 

For my main course I had slow cooked duck leg served with rocket, crispy duck crissoles and black cherry sauce. This fell from the bone and tangy sauce brought out the flavour of the meat.

 

The breakfast was just as good. All high quality, locally sourced food and cooked well. The staff were very kind in bringing me my breakfast which I requested to be different from what was on the menu.  

 

Overall, I would urge anyone to stay at The Queens Head Hotel. The staff were more than helpful in accommodating our unusual requests at meal times and were friendly when serving us our food and drink and when checking in an out. Despite the high standard of food, the prices are reasonable and the pub and restaurant welcome both those looking for a meal out as well as those just looking for a snack and a drink on their way to and from a walk.

 

The traditional décor makes the downstairs snug and welcoming and the rooms situated down narrow corridoors and stairwells make this establishment both unique and magical. Situated in one of the most stunning places in Britain, this establishment has everything going for it!

Tel: 015394 32174

www.queensheadtroutbeck.co.uk

 


by for www.femalefirst.co.uk
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