A HOTEL based in the heart of the Lake District has been crowned the ‘World’s Best for Dining’.

The Samling, nestled on the edge of Windermere, has made its mark on the global food map after securing the number one place in the annual Boutique Hotel Awards.

The news comes on the back of the high profile appointment of Ian Swainson as head chef. He joined the hotel this summer from the Michelin starred L’Ortolan restaurant, in Berkshire.

Among Mr Swainson’s successes so far is a star role in last year’s ‘ITV Britain’s Best Dish: The Chefs’ television show.

Judges at the awards ceremony said that The Samling showed ‘levels of cuisine creativity and service that superseded all other hotels inspected.’

General manager Alasdair Elwick said: “It is truly an incredible feat. We are obviously delighted at the result which now places The Samling on the global food map.

“We believe that the award is true testament to head chef Ian Swainson and his team’s talent, hard work and the quality of the produce the Lake District has to offer.

This truly is a defining moment in the hotel’s history.”

The news comes after a record year for the hotel which has seen occupancy levels of over 90 per cent.

To win the title each nominated hotel was assessed by a special panel of people on the judging committee. Prospective finalists were chosen in each category which included best city hotel and best new hotel.

They are then individually reviewed by one or more Boutique Hotel awards judges. Elements of design, concept, dining and entertainment, facilities, location and service all graded.

The Samling was competing against leading hotels across the globe including the likes of Hansar in Bangkok and The Xara Palace Mdina, in Malta.

“I'm immensely proud that the Samling has received this award for the Best Dining Boutique Hotel in the World,” said Mr Swainson. We have a brilliant team at the hotel and fantastic local suppliers here providing the best produce.”