The Samling Hotel

We only went for dinner, we didn't stay so I can't review bedrooms. However if they're like downstairs I imagine they are refined, classical, well kept and beautiful. We went for dinner to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. From arrival to departure the staff were kind, friendly and welcoming. The dinner was worth every penny. Suitably more expensive than an average restaurant due to it's undeniable Michelin star status. However, it doesn't have an air of snobbery or pretentiousness. Despite the dark grey and silver decor, the staff are warm, hospitable and have time for everyone without being overbearing. They pull out your chair, they chat to you about wine and they just make you feel relaxed and allow you to enjoy the whole experience. The wine flight was a perfect addition. 7 wines, well picked to match, with lovely anecdotes about each one. Definitely worth the additional spend. So many of the dishes we tasted were rich and full of flavour. Right from the start with a little unexpected bite of crab all the way through to the petit fours at the end. A truly beautiful meal and the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.

Where do we start… we stay in the lakes on several occasions throughout the year giving numerous hotels a try in Ambleside, Windermere, Keswick etc but wanted this stay to be special in particular as we were celebrating our anniversary. We came across the Samling which we hadn’t heard of before and definitely wanted to give this a try based off of their reviews and wow. From the moment you step on the grounds you soon realise what the reviews were talking about. The attention to detail both inside the hotel and on the grounds of the hotel are just spectacular- you won’t stay in a hotel like it. The Windermere suite was the best hotel room we’ve ever stayed in, from the views on the patio to the huge bed tucked away upstairs in another private area. Everything about it was just pristine. We dined in the restaurant on the night of our stay and it might just be one of the nicest meals we’ve had. The chefs do an amazing job and the same goes for the breakfast we ate with a stunning view of the lake. One thing the hotel wouldn’t be without is the staff, we can’t thank them enough for making our stay a dream. It adds such a personal touch when each staff member are as lovely and attentive as they are- they definitely make the hotel as there’s not one person that stands out more than another- they are all exceptional. ||We can’t wait to revisit in the new year as this has definitely deterred us from wanting to try any new hotels in future. Can’t recommend enough.

I had a wonderful dining experience here! The quiet dining room provided a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for savoring each course. The duck terrine and cod fish were absolutely delicious, beautifully prepared, and full of flavor. Beyond the excellent food, the staff went above and beyond in helping us with an unexpected issue. Our car got stuck in the mud, and Simon, Oleg, Emma, and several other members of the kitchen and restaurant team all pitched in to help us get it out. We might just interpret this little issue as a funny invite for us to stay in the hotel—we’ll definitely be planning a future stay! Thank you all so much for the incredible food and unforgettable service!

Highly recommend this Michelin 1-star gem in the Lake District 🌟 a romantic green escape! Set on a hilltop, this Michelin-starred restaurant in a hotel is an ideal date spot! We couldn’t book a stay due to its popularity, so we went for Sunday lunch instead—and the value was fantastic👏. The views from the big glass windows were stunning, with greenery all around. It was peaceful and relaxing, and the simple Sunday roast-style menu was delicious and comforting, even though the head chef wasn’t in that day. Highlights were the meat terrine starter and the fish & chips—so good! Can’t wait to book a stay next time and try the dinner when the head chef is in!

From the greeting at the door to our leaving this hotel just had class. The wedding reception was in the barn (what used to be known as The Gathering). The meal was superb. The staff were just brilliant. Hats off to Rebecca for her attention to detail. I can’t recommend this establishment enough. BRAVO!

Booked the set lunch in The Gathering restaurant as the final part of our silver wedding anniversary celebrations, and we could not have chosen anywhere better. Amazing setting, very friendly and welcoming staff, gorgeous food - yes, it is a 'relaxed' dining experience, as they describe, but without compromising on the high standards you'd expect from a Michelen-starred restaurant. We now need to think of a suitable celebratory occasion to justify making a return visit! Probably the most expensive lunch we've ever had, but really good value for money - worth every penny.

Dinner at the Gathering. Service and welcome was warm and welcoming. We wanted to relax with a drink at the bar before dinner, this was recognised but we felt rushed to choose our dinner menu and rushed to our seats. This was a shame. Our starters arrive as we sat down, I chose the cheese soufflé, which was amazing. My husband opted for the scallops, these were served in a cold dish which somewhat spoilt this dish. No sooner as we placed our knives and forks down our plates were whisked away. Whilst i can’t argue this is great service it felt rushed! We then asked for a 30 min rest before our mains as they were wanting to serve. Our mains were Beef cheek and the fillet steak. The cheek was sticky, rich and delicious. The fillet was a disappointment! It was sadly thin and lacking in taste. Overall experience - food was nice but not excellent, service was good. I was expecting to be wowed and was just happy. For a Michelin starred restaurant I’d of expected better and have certainly had better at Moor Hall, Angel and Northcote.

This is our 4th trip part business part relax we just love this hotel. The staff are truly amazing they give you enough space but nothing is ever too much for them. |I slept the best two night sleep in months and the food is to die for. But the main attraction are the views simply breathtaking .|We will be booking to come back again same time next year.