I love the Langdales. I've been dozens of times from being a small child and it's just perfect. There are masses of walks ranging from the sedate to the spectacular and the challenge of the famous pikes. The phrase "four seasons in one day" must have been coined here first. It's just brilliant!

My wife knows this and arranged a surprise 3 night break for my birthday at the New Dungeon Ghyll - somewhere that I'd seen lots of times (usually on my way to the nearby Stickle Barn pub) but had never visited.

The location is perfect for exploring the valley and surrounding areas being about 5 miles from Ambleside in Great Langdale.

The hotel itself does show signs of tiredeness, particularly in the reception area, but has few other flaws.

We had the 4-poster bedroom and although it was quite small, it was comfortable and well equipped with a TV, iron, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

The shower was a bit hit-and-miss (strong, weak, hot, warm, cold, hot again etc) but that's not the end of the world and there was nothing else about the room to 'whinge' about.

The communal lounge/bar is traditional and in some respects 'old fashioned' but this is in-keeping with the building and the area.

The best bit is the restaurant. The food and service was simply excellent (though the menu was virtually the same for 2 of our 3 night stay).

We had dinner included in the price of the room which offers a £5 discount over the 'a la carte' prices (which came to about £28 a head for 4-courses and coffee)

The breakfast was of the same high standard. Well prepared and quickly served with everything from cereal, fruit and kippers through to the 'full English'.

As it was my birthday, my wife asked for champagne to be delivered to the room and enquired as to whether a cake could also be arranged. The girl who took the booking offered to call at a local supermarket for something suitable which was a nice touch.

Anyway, the champagne was waiting for us on arrival (£36.50 a bottle which seemed to me a little steep for 'house' champagne) and the cake was presented with my evening meal on the first night.

Far from being a supermarket effort, it looked like the chef had actually made a cake complete with strawberries on top and buttered icing. It was delicious (and could have fed the hotel!)

We had two pieces and asked whether it could be stored in the fridge for the following night.

At the meal the night after, the cake reappeared but it had been 'freshened' up with a dusting of chocolate and some extra fruit. Excellent!

I know 'it's only a cake' but it was a nice touch - expecially when the bill came and they'd only added a fiver for it.

Little things like this matter - hotelliers take note!

We will definitelty return!