RestaurantsCumbriaWindermereLA23

Breaking news

January 2023: Hrishikesh Desai has announced his departure from Gilpin Hotel after eight years as executive chef of venue's three restaurants. He is to be replaced by three chefs, each of whom will run one of the restaurants (HriShi and  Gilpin Spice).

Harden's says

In the main hotel, Source, serving a 10-course tasting menu from former Fat Duck chef Ollie Bridgwater, has replaced Hrishi. Meanwhile, Gilpin Lake House, overlooking Knipe Tarn a mile away, serves a lavish afternoon tea (plus breakfast for overnight guests).

survey result

Summary

£68
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This modern Lakeland dining room – an Asian dining alternative in this luxuriously updated small hotel – is nowadays presided over by Aakash Ohol, who – prior to the departure of Hrishkesh Desai in December 2022 – was sous chef of Hrishi (since relaunched as Source, see also). Notwithstanding the odd disappointment registered this year, feedback suggests its diverse dishes (inspired by countries along the Spice Route) can be a useful relief to the native fare generally prevalent in this neck of the woods; even if “sometimes it’s difficult to choose and the dishes come as and when they’re ready”.

Summary

£66
  £££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Absolutely superb” “Asian-inspired dishes to savour” are enjoyed by all at this “relaxed and welcoming” venue from highly rated chef Hrishikesh Desai – his number two restaurant at the Gilpin Lodge. Some reporters quietly admit that they “actually preferred the food here to Hrishi” – supposedly his number one.

Summary

£66
  £££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

From the “sublime” location (the more relaxed of the hotel’s two dining rooms, see also HRiSHi) to the “truly fabulous coverage of all aspects of Asian cuisine” (but mostly focusing on southern India) that’s “packed with spice sensation”, reporters “loved everything” about Hrishikesh Desai's Gilpin Lodge sibling “including being able to see into the open kitchen”.

Summary

£61
  £££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“A great addition to Gilpin Lodge” – this “funky, delightful restaurant” (the more casual of the hotel’s two dining rooms overseen by Hrishikesh Desai) serves up “bold flavours and panache”, with “a leaning towards India, particularly southern India, but also drawing inspiration from beyond”: “undeniably gorgeous!”

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Gilpin Spice, Gilpin Hotel?

Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE

Restaurant details

No dress code

Gilpin Spice, Gilpin Hotel Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of Gilpin Spice, Gilpin Hotel Restaurant in LA23, Windermere by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of Gilpin Spice, Gilpin Hotel restaurant.
Peter C
Good Asian cuisine, some very flavourful, s...
Reviewed 3 months, 15 days ago

"Good Asian cuisine, some very flavourful, some less so, but very enjoyable."

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Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Always   £90.00
  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 120.00 Dinner only 11
Menu2 75.00 Lunch only  

Tapas / Dim Sum

Main Pudding
£18.00 £5.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £30.00
Filter Coffee £3.00
Extras  
Bread £0.00
Service 10.00%
Crook Road, Windermere, LA23 3NE
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm
Friday12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm
Saturday12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm
Sunday12 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm

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