February 20, 2012 – 11:13 am
Heather & I got a rare night off on Saturday when my mum offered to look after the kids overnight. A quick scan of the cinema listings and we chose to see ‘The Descendants‘ at Zefferellis in Ambleside but had time for a meal beforehand. Rather than do our usual ‘meal deal’ at Zeffs we thought trying out the new Jintana Thai (just over the road) might be nice. Jintana already have restaurants in Kendal and Bowness & the new one has taken over the building which used to be Lucys Grocers. We arrived for 6.30 and were given a warm welcome. The interior is nicely decorated (if a little over-lit) and the service was quick without being overbearing. Heather & I are quite indecisive when it comes to food and often share our plates so there was a bit of a trade off based on’ if you get that I’ll get this and we’ll swap’. Everything we ordered came quickly, was piping hot and tasted great (although I’ll never get used to the Thai term for Pork being ‘Moo’). All in all a good experience & one we will be repeating. Jintana also do a ‘Take-Away’ menu plus an early evening offer of 2 courses for £11.95 or 3 for £13.95 prior to 6pm
February 17, 2012 – 4:16 pm
Overlooking Glenridding
Cumbria as a county has so much more to offer than just our Fells and Lakes (although even on their own they are quite impressive). We have hundreds of small businesses that offer everything from clothes to furniture to food & drink. Made in Cumbria is a banner organization which strives to bring many of these goods and services to our attention, from their website, shops or from appearing at many of our rural shows. As a local I was guilty of ignoring the work they do as ‘aimed at tourism’ however I’m as fond of many of our local products as anyone else, so now rather than having to hunt for them or surf numerous websites I can just drop into Made in Cumbria (Kendal) and pick up what I need (I have a weakness for Mr Vikkis sauces and Starleys Spice blends). In our world of big business dominating the market with bland, middle of the road products it’s refreshing to support out local enterprises and have something completely different.
Made in Cumbria also supports and promotes local Artists, Photographers, Designers & other niche businesses. They have a great website and can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.
Made in Cumbria Stands at Whitehaven Festival
February 8, 2012 – 2:32 pm
Langdale Pikes & Lingmoor Fell
What a week we’ve had. Our first true snowfall this winter provided some real challenges for our guests arriving on Saturday (4th Feb), plenty of exercise (shoveling) for me and lots of excitement for our puppy. Sunday dawned with a heavy mist hanging over Langdale with no views beyond about 12 feet in front. Thankfully by lunchtime the mist had burned away leaving blue sky, powdery snow and sledging opportunities with the kids.
The kids tackle the hill whilst mum drags the sledge
With no further snow during the week but freezing temperatures leaving our countryside looking it’s bright sparkly best, it’s been superb walking weather. Many people have not used the car all week. Wrapping up warm, getting in some good walks and finishing the day with a drink from any one of the valley pubs or sat in front of the fire seemed to be the natural order of things. Even the nights have been spectacular with bright moonlight reflecting off the snow and a clear starlit sky overhead, I managed most of a late evening run (9 ish) without ever having to turn on my head-torch.
Elterwater Common
January 28, 2012 – 11:02 am
Daw Bank & Holy Trinity Church
I don’t know.. no new cottage news in a while and then two come along at once!
Daw Bank is right in the centre of Chapel Stile, a traditional slate fronted terraced house. During the 1890′s, Daw Bank housed the first Langdale Valley Coop, now loved and cared for by the owners (Howard & Jen), it provides comfortable and spacious accommodation for 6, over 3 floors.
Downstairs Daw Bank has an open plan kitchen / lounge / diner, with an open fire in the lounge area. A separate w.c in the hallway. The first floor has a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, both a good size and a spacious bathroom, overlooking the central village meadow, complete with bath (shower over), sink and w.c. The top floor has a large master bedroom with great views over the village, there’s plenty of room for a cot and it benefits from having its own tv. Just outside the bedroom is a separate sink and w.c.
At the rear of the house is a small garden with paved patio area. A shed is also available for storages of bikes.
Parking is on the village street to the front of Daw Bank, although it isn’t designated.
Available from Easter 2012 after refurbishment and redecoration throughout. Daw Bank is also adding Wifi to the facilities on offer
January 27, 2012 – 2:11 pm
Underhowe lounge from the front door
In a small departure from our usual cottage locations we have recently taken on Underhowe in central Grasmere. Ideal for families who want to leave the car parked for the week, with numerous walks available straight from the door. Underhowe also offers easy access to the shops, cafes and pubs in Grasmere.
The house comprises of a light and airy lounge, fully fitted modern kitchen / diner, with French doors leading outside to a paved seating area at the rear of the house. Off the lounge, access to the downstairs w.c and sink.
Upstairs there are three bedrooms, the master bedroom has a double bed, views over the front garden towards the village, flat screen tv and an ensuite bathroom with bath, shower over, sink and w.c. The second bedroom has a double bed accessed from one side, this and the third single bedroom share a separate shower room with shower, sink and w.c.
On the ground floor the house benefits from underfloor heating, upstairs temperature controlled radiators, making the house warm and cosy. The lounge has a stereo CD player, flatscreen tv, dvd player, ‘Sky’ basic and WiFi.
Parking outside the front for two cars.
