Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel

1 Reviews on “Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel”

• Nick Hall

  Sharrow Bay Restaurant Review. My two guests and I arrived at Sharrow Bay on what could only be described as one of Cumbrias finest evenings. We parked the car and looked onto Lake Ullswater which was shimmering beautifully. I admired the sheer beauty of both the building itself and the surrounding area. My expectations of the experience I was about to have were instantly raised!When we walked through the magnificent oak doors, we were greeted immediately by the front of house manager who welcomed us like long lost friends. He showed us into the lounge room which had a semi-panoramic window showing the lake and surrounding countryside. The room was designed and set out like an original 1970s lounge and although everything was outdated, it somehow felt right and very homely. Whilst sat in the lounge we looked over the 6 course dinner menu. We had a choice of starter (from a possible 8) followed by either soup or fish, then sorbet, main course, dessert then cheese and biscuits. We made our choices and told our waiter who memorised every dish. The sommelier then came and recommended some wines that would complement our food.After around 15 minutes we were taken through to the dining room. The room was extremely spacious and very elegant. I started with Dressed Crab, Tortellini of Lobster, caramelised Scallop and Scallop Velout which was cooked to perfection. The scallops were succulent and well-seasoned. My guests had Terrine of Pheasant & Partridge and Roast Breast of Quail with Truffle Fettuccine which were both equally excellent.I then had Fillet of Plaice with braised Leeks and Truffle. The plaice was cooked perfectly, falling away and melting in your mouth. However the flavour of truffle was strong and slightly overpowered the delicate fish. One of my guests had Cream of Mushroom Soup with Cpe Oil which had the most amazing nutty, earthy taste. Next came the fruit sorbet which was extremely sharp but did the job of cleansing our pallets. For the main course I had braised Shoulder of Herdwick Lamb, creamed savoury Cabbage, Parsnip Pure and Tomato & Rosemary Sauce. The lamb was cooked to perfection, pink in the middle. The puree had a really intense parsnip flavour was smooth and worked extremely well with the lamb. My guests had Fillet of Sea Bass with Wild Mushroom Fricasse and Venison with Ravioli of Wild Mushrooms. The bass was well cooked but the mushrooms had a deep flavour that fought with the bass to gain centre stage on your pallet. The venison was beautiful. Superbly cooked and clearly treated with the respect it deserved. We had a selection of fresh vegetables which included baby sweetcorn, mangetout, shallots and potato dauphinoise. For dessert I had the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding. Although rich and sticky the flavour was none I have ever tasted before. It was extremely moreish and I did in fact take some home with me! My guests had the Sharrow Bay ice cream and the assiette of desserts which included the sticky toffee pudding, crme brulee, dark chocolate tart and steamed syrup sponge. Each little taster was well presented and tasted delicious. Next came a selection of cheeses which included a smoked cheese, blue cheese and then local brie, cheddar and goats cheese. This was served on a platter with a selection of crackers and grapes. The cheeses were fantastic. They had the most beautiful flavour and it rounded off the meal perfectly.After we had finished our desserts and cheese we were taken back through to the lounge and had coffee and homemade petit fours.Both my guests and I have thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Sharrow Bay. Not only was the food exceptional but the staff were attentive and friendly. Sharrow bay is set in a beautiful location which does nothing but improve the whole dining experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant!

  December 5, 2013, 1:19 pm

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