This is an institution that has been going for 57 years. Originally founded by Francis Coulson and Brian Sack (alas, both dead now), the guidelines laid down by them, a model of just how one should be treated with civility without resorting to either servility or arrogance, are amply carried on by the present staff. Mind you, some of them have been working there for over 30 years and it has all rubbed off on the newer employees. Two recent visits confirm that little has changed, despite the fact that the hotel has been bought by Von Essen Hotels Ltd., (who have a nice little collection of top-rated country house hotels) - they are simply letting the staff get on with it in their own inimitable way - which is rather nice.

Perhaps the most notable change is that the food is far less rich than it used to be. More about that in the...

Hotel rooms vary from small to grand, but the attention to detail and the quality of the furnishings is evident in every room. These are rooms dedicated to gracious living and little recognition is given to some of the mod. cons. found in some of the - dare we say it, 'less experienced' country house hotels. Breakfast was disappointing - they only gave me six rashers! A cornucopia of croissants, cakes, breads, jams, preserves, fish, ham, bacon, sausages (not to mention the additional slice of black pudding served separately à l'anglaise, and umpteen different teas and coffees add to the gastronomic experience. And what a wonderful experience for the overseas visitor to see what a true English breakfast should really be like.

...What with all this pampering and cosseting and the helicopter landing pad, too, this is one of the most civilised places you could stay in England. Cheap it is not, but we still rate it as above average value for money.

Hotel Ratings...

Rooms 46

Breakfast 15

Service 10

Atmosphere 10

Value for Money 11

Total 92

Sharrow Bay Country House Hotel, Lake Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LZ

Phone: 01768 486301 Fax: 01768 486349

E-mail: info@sharrowbay.co.uk

www.sharrowbay.co.uk

Open: February to early December.

Rooms: 27 all en suite.

Prices: Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: £160 to £225 per person, depending on the room. See the website for full details and special breaks.

Credit cards: all major cards.