Call me old-school, but is there any better way to wind down on a Saturday afternoon than by watching Michael Caine in The Ipcress File on BBC 2, whilst sat in a cushy hotel room, cup of tea in hand, sheltering away from the gloomy Cumbrian weather? I think not.
The North Lakes Hotel & Spa, Penrith, was the location’s name. Living my best grandpa life was the game.
Christmas often feels these days an awful lot like a Rachel Reeves Budget. There is a lot of teasing and big promises being made here, there, and everywhere in the build-up. Plus, a lot of noise in the media. Only for the actual event itself to leave you feeling underwhelmed, needing a drink, and checking your own finances. (Maybe I just speak for myself). However, we always, begrudgingly, come back again every year, don’t we? And get caught up in all the excitement of the occasion. (Again, could just be me).
But when I was sitting in the hotel bar post-dinner with a glass of wine, reading my book, surrounded by Christmas trees and decorations, my mind wasn’t thinking ‘God, it’s only November, it’s a bit early, isn’t it?’ I was thinking, ‘you know what, I could imagine myself spending a night or two here closer to the big day itself’. Christmas, that is, not next year’s Budget.
To take you back a few hours prior to this, my arrival went smoothly – minus me missing the turning to the hotel the first time around, which was slightly embarrassing. Check-in was swift and pleasant. And the giant Christmas tree in the lobby area was enough to leave me – a 22-year-old man – feeling as though I was seven again, getting excited to write to Father Christmas. Majestic doesn’t cover it.
The North Lakes Hotel & Spa is a four-star luxury hotel, which sits a convenient 15-minute or so walk away from Penrith train station. Additionally, the hotel’s location could be argued as being the perfect base for anyone wishing to put on their hiking boots to explore the wonderful Eden Valley.
However, anyone who knows me personally knows that I couldn’t think of anything worse to do than that – hence my opening remarks in this article. Instead of getting soaked and probably having to call mountain rescue to save me from my own incompetence. I spent my Saturday afternoon watching a 1960s classic film on BBC 2, whilst simultaneously stuffing my face with the small selection of cakes and sweets that were left for me in my hotel room after checking in.
Now, reader, I think it is important to note that I was suffering from a bit of a cold on the weekend I visited the North Lakes Hotel & Spa. This is important because, as every man, I’m sure, will attest, it meant that I felt incapable of doing anything remotely ‘easy’ myself. After all, I thought I might be on death's door, or somewhere in the vicinity, anyway. So, staying at a hotel where you were treated and catered for so well was truly the perfect antidote.
Walking to dinner through the festive hotel hallway, I was rather hoping that I would be tasting some festive delights. However, my only minor complaint regarding the stay was the fact that I was, unfortunately, for whatever reason, unable to dine off the Christmas menu this time round. Which was a shame considering the wonderful festive vibes the hotel was exuding elsewhere. But don't worry, reader, I'm told there is such a menu available for any future visits in the festive period.
Nevertheless, that aside, I was still treated to a more than adequate dinner in the FYR restaurant. I started out with a simple, but in my opinion, perfect tomato and basil soup, which was the soup of the day. Now, some may call me basic for this choice, but I say, ‘who cares?’ This attitude of mine is why I chose the beer battered fish and chips for my main course. After all, I wasn’t in the mood for adventure; I wanted comfort. Finally, to finish off with, and by this point I was starting to feel my waistband scream for mercy, I tucked into a vanilla and ginger cheesecake.
Although I didn’t partake in ordering something like a steak this time round, the FYR restaurant is well known for its theatrical open grill. And, I will say, it was spectacular to watch. However, I will warn you, be prepared, IT GETS HOT.
My favourite moments of my stay were after dinner, I’ve got to say. I took my last class of wine from my carafe of French Sauvignon Blanc and went and sat in the bar with my book – Scoop, by Evelyn Waugh, if you’re interested. Here, surrounded by the hum of fellow travellers marinating in the warm Christmas atmosphere, I wasted a good hour just reading – the wine helped pass the time too.
I then retired to my room, with a glass of Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port as a nightcap – I know, it’s always good when you can order a drink with your own name. Before I then called it a day, and took to bed, exhausted from my day of being spoiled.
Breakfast the next morning was fleeting, if I’m honest. I needed to get away relatively early for another engagement in the old diary. However, the buffet arrangement in the dining room was perfect for such a situation. A great choice of classic English Breakfast items was available, alongside more continental options too. However, I just went for some fried eggs, bacon, and sausages, with a slice of toast myself. Keeping it simple. It should be my new catchphrase after this, I think.
Driving back home, on the winding A6 road between Penrith and Kendal, I kept pondering what the conclusions of my stay were. Well, here they are: I think the North Lakes Hotel & Spa is the sort of place you might want to go if you were indeed wanting a nice, relaxing pre-Christmas treat, whether as a couple, family, or a solo visitor. This is because, although it's a reasonably large hotel, it felt cosy in a weird way. I really liked that aspect. Furthermore, I heard the hotel’s spa, which I didn’t personally use this time round, get several compliments whilst I was staying. So, that only adds to the appeal. Get down there, I’d say. What have you got to lose?
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