We have been travelling to the Lake District for a number of years now, usually staying three to four weeks for each visit. Our anniversary regularly happens to fall during this period, and we always look for a special meal to celebrate the occassion. This year we chose Cottage in the Wood and were definately not disappointed. Liam is an amazing chef, and Kath is a gracious hostess. The restaurant staff were excellent and attentive. The meal and all courses were superb. We will definately return again.

The cottage itself is quaint and picturesque, but isolated. The atmosphere is refined and proper. Not the type of place we would stay for longer than a night or two (I prefer a place where I can have a pint with the locals), but from what we could see definately in line with their stated mission. They do deal in quality.

As stated in the title, we went for the food and in that aspect it was one of the best meals we have ever had in the UK.

I felt compelled to write a few words having just returned from a stay at CITW and having read some negative reviews.

CITW is absolutely fantastic, its got a lovely homely charm, personified by Kath who bends over backwards to help you make the most of your stay. We stayed in the suite in the loft which was spotlessly clean and without fault. Both of us loved diving (well not literally) in to the large double ended bath for a soak after our days activities.

We also dined at the restaurant and Liams food was exemplary. Fresh, solid flavours abound. In fact we had to have a second helping of the bread and butter pudding it was so good.

I feel I should qualify this review with some downsides: yes, the lounge is on the small side, no there isn't an olympic pool or helipad, but if you plan to be holed up in the hotel for the duration of your stay then maybe you should go elsewhere than the lake district. I am completely perplexed by some of these negative reviews, but I guess, perversely, some people are only happy when they're complaining.

Kath and Liam obviously pour their heart and souls in to this place and it shows. Please don't go here as I want it to be free the next time we come up ;o)

S&T (Mid 20's if you're interested)

Everything at The Cottage is done to a very high standard. From the tea and biscuits and homemade cake on arrival, the cosy bedrooms (all spotless), the beautiful new dining room with the most fantastic views and the delicious breakfast and evening meals, this place really is a gem and somewhere I'm sure we'll visit again.

We stayed here in March and I was very excited about my first trip to the Lakes and to what I thought was going to be a super place to stay.

We arrived about 1.30pm, and despite having email confirmation from Kath that our rooms would be ready by this time one of them was still being used. Kath had obviously not remembered, but it was more her attitude that was surprising, very defensive and not friendly. We went straight out for a walk and returned about 6.50pm to Kath telling us to be ready for dinner in ten mins, however again she had emailed the dinner time as 7.30pm (which is the weekend time) - so another case of me being given incorrect information, though made to feel as though I was in the wrong.

While breakfast was good, I was very disappointed with the one evening meal we tried. From the website it looked as though there would be a good choice of menu, but there was just one choice of starter and main. My boyfriend explained that he didn't eat fish so Kath said they would try to sort something out. What turned up for him was just a couple of pieces of avocado. I don't know how Kath dared to serve it, but somehow she did so with a totally straight face. My boyfriend, parents and I laughed hysterically about it after the holiday when we were prepared to be more honest. The food did taste good, but portion size was dreadful. Admitedly, we have 'healthy' appetites but the servings were ridiculous particularly considering the likely hunger pangs of guests fresh from a day's walking. We had eaten a big lunch and were still starving, which says something. There was no way we were going to eat there again and all the subsequent meals proved to be much better.

I had been quoted a deal on a 3 night mid-week stay, but yet again when the bill appeared at the end the regluar price had been charged. Kath was obviously not happy to realise that she'd made the mistake (it was Easter time and apparently the deal did not apply) and was quite indignant, yet to be fair we were given the deal.

Other than some of the times I have mentioned Kath was polite, but in such a strained way the place does not feel at all relaxed, which to me is what a holiday is all about. The deluxe room wasn't big but it was comfortable and everywhere seemed clean, and we enjoyed the location. The hotel definitely wasn't what I hoped for though and we won't go back.