A couple of weeks ago we stayed at Low Wood Bay in Windermere. We stayed on a dinner, bed and breakfast board and had two choices for the dinner. We could eat in The Windermere that serves a selection of classic European dishes and Blue Smoke on the Bay that serves a wide range of international dishes cooked over their woodfired grill.
When considering which restaurant to eat in, do be aware that there are different times for each restaurant that children are allowed in up to. They couldn’t fit us in The Windermere due to a private function that was going on so the reception staff waivered the time for us when we booked, however the man who greeted us at Blue Smoke on the Bay looked less than impressed when we turned up with Lucas. When he saw we were booked in he led us to the table but first impressions count and the way he looked at Lucas when we arrived I wasn’t particularly happy with. He did warm up later on when he realised Lucas wasn’t going to be making the restaurant chaos and even asked about his trains that he had with him.
We were seated in a booth near the open kitchen and given menu’s to look at. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and the atmosphere is formal yet relaxed. We loved that we could see the chef preparing the food and cooking on the grill. A waitress, Anna came over to take our orders and completely put us at ease, she was very accommodating and friendly with Lucas.
For starter D ordered what looked like a posh ploughmans with meats, cheese, fish pate, chutney etc. I shared Lucas’ starter which was roasted vegetables and grilled paneer. Looking at Lucas’ starter, you never would have thought it was from a child’s menu, they really don’t scrimp on their portions!
For main course, Lucas had a 4oz burger in a toasted brioche bun with melted cheese, chips and salad. D had the Bricklayer, an 8oz Rump steak, pounded then marinated for 24 hours in smoked paprika with garlic and chilli, served with guacamole and crème fraîche. He chose a side portion of sweet potato mash with chilli, sour cream, garlic and chives. I had the wood-fired grilled butternut squash and celeriac with creamed spinach, apple glaze, walnut and basil pesto and chips.
For desert, I shared with Lucas and had sticky chocolate pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream. D had vanilla cheesecake with toffee popcorn and raspberry sauce.
D and I also shared a gin and lemon swizzle which was delicious, a refreshing pitcher of Bombay Gin, Sauvignon Blanc, Elderflower cordial, fresh lemon juice, soda water, served
over ice finished off with fresh lemon slices.
The food was done to absolute perfection and Anna was a wonderful waitress, checking everything was OK throughout the meal. We had such a lovely evening and won’t hesitate to eat there next time we stay, although I think I would like to try their brunch menu next time x
