The Skiddaw Hotel in Keswick is shooting for the stars following a recent AA inspection which awarded the hotel its 4th star for excellent levels of hospitality and service. To add another feather to the cap, the hotel also received its first ever AA Rosette for the culinary excellence in Brasserie 31.

The family owned and run hotel, has been part of the Lake District Hotels group since 1995, and received a full ground floor refurbishment in January 2020 which transformed the hotel, modernising the public areas with a comfortable contemporary new look. The refurbishment included the conservatory, bar, reception, restaurant, corridors and function room. The AA inspector highlighted that the visit "was an enjoyable experience which saw previous positive inspection results borne out and increased scoring following extensive refurbishment to the public areas on the ground floor”.

The report also highlighted that the bedrooms remain of a very good standard, housekeeping was seen to be excellent, with very good standards of hotel keeping observed, and that service and hospitality were very good and scoring here was largely consistent with previous visits.

Neels Ferreira, General Manager at the Skiddaw Hotel commented; “We are over the moon that the top quality and service that we offer has been recognised and endorsed with an increased four-star rating. The artistic flair of our Head Chef and his team of chefs are testament to the AA Rosette accolade, this along with the front of house staff, who all work tirelessly to offer our guests the perfect guest experience.”

The AA inspector dined on ‘Long and Slow" Braised Pig's Cheek’ to start, followed by ‘Irish Sea Cod Loin - Solway Brown Shrimp, Crab, Potato and Samphire Chowder’, and ‘Black Forest Gateau - Kirsch Cherries, Date Sponge, Bitter Chocolate’ for dessert. After which he commented, “Dishes sampled were fresh, technically accomplished, accurately prepared and flavoursome; the cherry dessert was the highlight. On this evidence a One AA Rosette Award is clearly deserved. Well done to the team”.

Head Chef, Bobby Fillingham, has worked at the hotel since January 2020, having been internally promoted from sous chef at the group’s sister hotel, the Borrowdale, to his current Head Chef position at the Skiddaw Hotel. Bobby’s vision was to bring the guest dining experience to the next level by developing the food and service, with the overall aim of achieving a rosette and making the hotel a foodie destination for locals, as well as visitors. His new autumn menu features vibrant a la carte dishes with classic autumnal flavours which will be available from October.

Bobby commented “The quality of the dining experience we provide is a testament to locally sourced ingredients, constantly evolving techniques and excellent hospitality. I’m really proud of what our team has achieved.”

For further information on the Skiddaw Hotel and to view their menu’s, visit www.lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel