The Ro Hotel, in Bowness-on-Windermere, is set an idyllic location. situated on one of the steepest hills in Bowness it comes with stunning views of the lake and countryside. Deile Purvis, founder of NE Tasty Treats, reviews it for Savour Magazine.
We headed from Northumberland across to the Lakes super early. With two young children, I’ve learnt to ‘Seize the day’. Albeit, the little ones weren’t in tow for this trip – this was ‘ladies’ only’. A chance to enjoy sun, cocktails and food with my mum and my twin sisters.
We arrived at The Ro Hotel around 10.30am welcomed with smiles, fresh croissants and pain au chocolat, which we enjoyed with a coffee on the open veranda, taking in the breathtaking views while basking in the sun.
The Ro is one of Windermere’s oldest hotels (formerly known as the Hydro Hotel) and has recently undergone a £7m refurbishment. It is now popping with colour, giving it a fresh, modern appeal. For those who love to take a selfie, there are plenty jazzy, quirky places throughout the hotel you can get ‘The’ photo and I loved the scent of the fresh flowers dotted throughout the rooms.
Check is in from 3pm and our bedrooms were immaculate with high ceilings creating an airy, open space. My room featured a large bathroom, with a walk-in shower, although there was no tub to unwind in, which was a little disappointing.
Once we refreshed our faces and changed into our night-time attire, we had pre-drinks in the bar – a space which has been created for guests and locals to hangout in both day and night.
It’s relaxed, comfy and has a great cocktail menu which features its signature drink: Lake rhubarb rosehip (from The Lakes Distillery, based in Cockermouth) served with elderflower syrup and prosecco. You’ll also find classics featuring the distillery’s gin, such as a Gimlet and Vesper. We settled on a (supersized) Aperol Spritz, a cocktail in keeping with the weather, bright and sunny. Cocktails will set you back around £15, but remember you are paying hotel prices in one of the busiest places in the Lake District.
As we had paid for a special dinner, bed and breakfast experience, I assumed there may be a set dinner menu, with a select number of dishes to choose from. In fact, we were allowed any starter, main and dessert off the extensive menu.
As a seafood lover, I went straight in for the smoked salmon pate with smoked salmon tartare to start followed by grilled sea bass with lobster ravioli. I thought there would have been more ravioli but it was so rich, it would have been too much if there was. Instead, the dish was balanced and packed full of taste.
Mum had the same as me (I inherited her love of seafood) and my sisters shared a baked camembert to start, then a 12oz rib –eye steak, with peppercorn sauce each. Given there was nothing left, not even the garnish of watercress, on either of their plates, they clearly enjoyed their choices.
The staff at The Ro were fantastic, from the moment we arrived until the end of our stay, the whole team were friendly and accommodating; which always adds to a great experience.
The hotel itself is steeped in history, is in a stunning location, comes with free parking and dogs are also welcome.
