Winter traditions bring families together – and bonfire night is one we all remember from our childhoods with fireworks and wellies. However, this year we have discovered a new, luxurious way of celebrating Guy Fawkes at the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa on the shores of Windermere.
Rather than sanding on a wet, muddy field, balancing a plastic cup of coffee and a hot dog, we received a warm welcome from the team at the hotel who annually host a Guy Fawkes Celebration Weekend.
When we have visited Beech Hill before, it is the great customer service which always makes this a special treat – as soon as we were invited to sit in the large, spacious lounge which provides unrivalled views of the Windermere we were service warming mulled cider and delicious warm canapes.
The balcony terrace outside was twinkling with fairy lights, and a solitary light across the water was our guide to the other side of Windermere – in the Lake District, we enjoy natures pure darkness.
This was the setting for our first entertainment of the night – the fire juggler who performed in the garden area just below the terrace, giving everyone an amazing view of his skills. Rolling rods of fire around his body and spinning flames just metres away from our vantage point – it was the perfect entertainment for a winter festival.
From our window table in the beautiful dining room, we watched the mist rolling in over the water as our first course was serviced which had a fire-theme – Torched Melon ham crisps, rocket with herb oil. The heat had caramelised the melon giving it a beautiful texture on the outside and smoky flavour which was delicious, especially with the flavour of the ham crisps.
My dining partner, Katie was presented with the hot-smoked Salmon, avocado with confit tomato and rocket Caesar – you can read her review of the meal and evening on KTMY.co.uk from Bonfire Night (5 November 2019).
My main course of Poach-roasted local Chicken Supreme roasted vegetables caramelised onion dumpling with fresh tarragon jus was beautifully presented and had a perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Katie May chose the Petit Pois and fresh mint risotto with artichoke tempura. I did have a cheeky taste of this delicate-looking dish and the mint and pea flavour was so refreshing – a beautiful dish.
The deserts were a real bonfire night treat as Katie enjoyed the steamed orange Jaffa Cake with pouring cream and chocolate sorbet – a warming dish for a winter’s night.
I went for something to cool down after the heat of the fire act. The white chocolate with raspberry marquise, raspberry sorbet with crushed meringue was a sweet treat. The depth of flavour in the sorbet was like an explosion of summer fruits on the tongue and a reminder of the season gone.
After our coffee and mints – they had a great selection of coffees including decaffeinated, so we could enjoy a good night’s sleep after the event – we enjoyed another performance from the fire performer.
We had time for a drink before being invited onto the balcony to enjoy the finale of the evening – the fireworks.
We took our seats, sat back and enjoyed a spectacular pyrotechnic display. The sounds echoed around the valley as the seemingly never-ending cascade of fireworks turned the dark night sky alive.
This is the way to enjoy a firework display – in comfort, with a warm mulled cider in hand, which were brought around by the wonderful staff, after enjoying a delicious meal made from local produce and freshly prepared by the excellent kitchen team at the Beech Hill.
And the following night they were ready to celebrate Guy Fawkes again with a hog roast and firework event.
The team at Beech Hill Hotel & Spa create events for their guests that are special, with their attention to detail and personal service. Its location is unique, with views of the lakes you can just sit and drink in all day.
The décor and atmosphere of this hotel are warm, welcoming and luxurious.
Other events coming up are their Christmas Party Nights, with DJ and Christmas Sunday lunches where you can re-charge your batteries in the midst of the busiest time of the year.
And of course, they have the Lakeview Spa – which is something we would love to come back again to explore – with pool, sauna and Jacuzzi overlooking Windermere. Leisure membership or a treatment would be a lovely gift for someone special.
This four-star hotel, where the restaurant and spa are open to non-residents and is well worth a visit to unwind and enjoy a little me time – and also celebrate the season with friends and family.
Value for money: 5/5
- The Guy Fawkes Night event was £49 per person. Thank you to the Beech Hill Hotel & Spa for inviting us to join you for your annual event. #Gifted
- For more information about Beech Hill Hotel & Spa, to reserve a table or book an event visit their website.
