An Essex Wedding - Jul/Aug 2019 (Issue 87)

BOOK IT! The Gilpin, thegilpin.co.uk @gilpinhotel for the first night – Gilpin Spice. Sat in the Chinese room, with its vibrant red walls, oriental decorations and comfy cushion-covered bench seats, it’s clear that Gilpin Spice isn’t your usual hotel restaurant. Loved by locals and guests alike, the menu is based around the concept of sharing plates, creating an informal dining experience using fragrant herbs and spices to elevate the dishes. After a great night’s sleep we headed down to breakfast, served in The Lake House overlooking the gardens. Despite having eaten my fill the night before, I wolfed down creamy scrambled egg, locally smoked salmon and slices of freshly baked bread. With a free morning, we decided to explore the local area, driving past Lake Windemere to Grasmere, before heading back on ourselves to complete one of the lovely White Moss Walks around Rydal Water. TIME TO RELAX On our return to The Lake House we decided to indulge in an afternoon’s spa trail, starting out with an aromatherapy consultation to select the essential oils that would be used in a later treatment. The swimming pool was available for our private use so, after a few lengths in the water followed by a salt scrub pre- treatment, we headed outside to the sun loungers to make the most of the sunshine. Gently roused from our reverie by the therapists, we were shown to the treatment room – a stylish wooden structure on stilts overlooking the lake with twin beds – ideal for couples’ treatments. The next half hour passed in a bit of a blur as any aches and pains were gently massaged away using the essential oils that had been mixed following our earlier consultation – bliss! Next stop was The Boat House, where a light afternoon tea was served with bite- size scones, delicious strawberry jam and clotted cream – could this day get any better? The answer to this question was a resounding ‘yes’ as, glass of champagne in hand, we finished the trail in the hot tub overlooking the lake – I never wanted to leave! In fact, I would have happily stayed in that moment for the rest of the day if a dinner reservation at Hrishi wasn’t calling! WINE AND DINE The setting for The Gilpin’s Michelin- starred restaurant is rather more refined than Gilpin Spice but the layout of three individual rooms and cosy décor works perfectly to create an intimate and relaxing space in which to enjoy the chef Hrishikesh Desai’s creations. We opted for the tasting menu, based around his recent TV appearance on The Great British Menu and were rewarded with plate after plate of beautifully crafted gastronomy, from a light ceviche of cured hand-dived scallops to a rich parfait of duck liver with English rhubarb. HOMEWARD BOUND After another tasty breakfast – this time a fabulous full English – we headed for home feeling energised and relaxed after a truly wonderful weekend. With its first-class restaurants, welcoming staff and scenic setting, The Lake House at The Gilpin artfully works its magic on all of its guests and we were certainly caught in its spell. HONEYMOONS 119