Knipe Grill at Gilpin Lake House (Private Events)

Scrumptious food, well executed with friendly staff and stunning views! Chefs surprise to start were a welcome treat, I especially loved the Branston pickle butter for the bread! Each course was delicious with lots of thoughtful elements, every bite a new surprise, and I could have quite easily sat there all night drinking jugs of the amazing proper gravy!

Absolutely sublime food in the most amazing setting. We had the most amazing experience at the Knipe Grill and huge compliments must go to Westy and all the team'

Had a lovely Friday evening with fantastic service from a really friendly and professional bunch of staff starting with the cocktails at the bar through to the main meal in the restaurant. Would definitely recommend. Food was amazing too. The popcorn pheasant was delicious as was the beef and seabass. Great sides too. Again would highly recommend. The setting of the Knipe Grill is stunning beautiful and the chance to walk around the lake on a beautiful evening before our deserts was memorable.

A bit disappointed with the food, Cumbrian carrot just tasted of charcoal, the chateubriand was a good size but again lacking in flavour, it was saved however by the red wine jus. The additional extras were ok the. rosti and the hispi cabbage. The “coal” dessert was nice. The atmosphere was dreadful, quiet and dreary, it was like an old folks home. Service from the young waiters was good but again did I think I was in a 5star restaurant? Nope. I had to polish mine and my husbands wine glass which clearly had been placed on the table straight from the dishwasher. The head waitress had a blue plastic glove on which I understand is standard practice if she has a cut or similar, but it was hanging off her hand, which was off putting.

So I’m not normal one to leave a review, that being said overall I was hugely disappointed with the meal I had at the Knipe Grill at Gilpin Lake House. Firstly - we were show to our table and and iPad dropped on the table. Yes this is a menu and yes I can work and iPad. But with the hotel boasts 5 stars I expect a little more interaction. -With an experienced chef David with many an accolade, unfortunately I was underwhelmed. You quote “My food is fun, there’s always a bit of a story behind it, a bit of nostalgia and playfulness” Sadly there was no story no fun. This was primarily down the the service and the lack of engagement, talking us through the menu, championing and highlighting locality, seasonally and recommendations. The level of service we received for the price paid just wasn’t up to standard. - and finally whilst I know this is a hotel with a hot tub, there is something about having a group of people in bath robes walking through the restaurant heading to the hot tub a little strange. I wouldn’t expect this from a restaurant in a 3 star Spanish hotel, let alone a 5 star very expensive hotel/restaurant in the lakes In summary the restaurant's inexperience staff led to poor service, which significantly impacted the dining experience. The lack of knowledge and attentiveness resulted in frustration and dissatisfaction. While the food showed potential, it ultimately fell short of the expected standard considering the price paid. Overall, the combination of what seemed like inexperienced staff and underwhelming food quality makes this restaurant a less than satisfying choice. Sorry for this review but unfortunately this is a true reflection of my/out experience.

We first stayed at the Lake House in 2014 before the Knipe Grill existed. The addition of the restaurant has only added to the experience. Warm welcome in a lovely environment with amazing staff, James was particularly engaging and friendly with a “nothing is to much trouble” attitude. Only marked down 1 star due to being sat on a wet seat cushion!

Overall a disappointment. We booked a table for what I assume is their second sitting, and was made to wait at the bar for 30 minutes before being seated. We asked several times to go to our table and were informed, ‘it’s not ready yet, maybe another 10 minutes?’ The food overall was good but not good enough for the prices. I found it odd that a ‘grill’ couldn’t sear any meat properly. Service picked up slightly between being seated and serving mains - it then disappeared again entirely and we were left sitting for 15 minutes before we managed to wave down for the bill. Given it’s been open nearly a year, you’d expect a more overall polished operation for the style and price point of the restaurant.

As someone who eats out a lot and has experience of private dining and Michelin star restaurants we have to leave the following review The food was interesting we both started with the Kentucky fried pheasant, the taste of which was lost within the coating. The chefs gifts beforehand had more taste and intrigued the palate more. I could have eaten the marmite butter and cod roe all night. We then shared the chateaubriand which to be honest was lacking in taste and was just a bit dull, I had expected to be able to taste the coal and char but the meat itself had none of that. The side of hispi cabbage, asparagus and Rosti were as follows rosti superb star of the meal, asparagus lacked salt and the hispi cabbage was lost in the ewes curd which was all you could taste. For afters I chose coal which was a chocolate mandarin dessert which was again more style over substance I really wanted to like the food but thought that the design and detail overshadowed the flavours that I wanted to sing from the plate.