Last updated at 16:04, Friday, 10 August 2012

BUILT in the late 19th Century as a Lancashire businessman’s private residence, Hillthwaite House Hotel has been in the proud ownership of the Sodeau family for the past 42 years.

The restaurant at Hillthwaite House Hotel, Windermere, offers superb views of the lake and surrounding fells

During this time the family has developed the property from a dilapidated private residence into one of the Lake District’s finest three-star hotels.

The hotel, the name of which was derived from a combination of its elevated position overlooking Windermere and the old Norse term ‘thwaite’, meaning clearing, now comprises 34 individually designed bedrooms.

Over the years the Sodeaus have not only invested heavily in the property itself they have also ensured their guests become part of the Hillthwaite family by instilling in their staff an ethos of giving a warm friendly welcome combined with attentive, professional yet unobtrusive service. The hotel boasts extensive restaurant facilities and one of the Hillthwaite’s greatest assets has always been the quality of the food on offer, which has consistently received high praise from its many new and returning guests.

In the past two years the hotel has opened its door much more to non-residents and it’s reasonably priced traditional Sunday lunch has proved especially popular with locals.

The Hillthwaite also has recently introduced its Local Diners Card, the holders of which are entitled to a number of benefits and promotional food offers.

While prepared in a modern British style, the hotel’s team of talented chefs remain committed to producing food of the highest quality from fresh ingredients.

Every effort is made to ensure that wherever possible local and regional producers and suppliers feature on the hotel’s menus.

The hotel offers a variety of seasonal and daily menus and the walk-in menu which boasts a wide selection of ‘lite bites’, bar snacks, platters and main dishes, is proving especially popular with residents and non-residents alike.

The hotel’s fine food is complemented by an extensive list of wines from all over the world.

The Hillthwaite offers the complete package not only for a fantastic relaxing leisure break, but also for a superb meal with family or friends served in an atmosphere which blends professionalism with informality and must be considered one of South Lakeland’s must visit destinations.

First published at 15:47, Friday, 10 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk