Mike and Jill Stocking have become very much part of the Low Wood Bay family throughout the year, but at no time more than at Christmas. We asked them to share a little bit about themselves and what draws them back to Low Wood Bay time after time.
Mike and Jill ready for the Low Wood Christmas masked ball
Mike: Having been born and brought up in South London, I spent the first part of my career in the Metropolitan Police before taking up a position in the Coroner’s Office and eventually serving in the Child Protection Team. When I retired in 2001, Jill and I moved to Tamworth in Staffordshire.
Mike Raising a Glass of Christmas Cheer
Jill: I’m from Kingsbury in North Warwickshire. I worked for 18 years at The Belfry and have been fortunate enough to experience 3 Ryder Cup competitions whilst working at the hotel.
Your first visit to Low Wood Bay?
We first visited Low Wood Bay for Christmas in 2008 with Mike’s cousin and his wife. Over the years since then we have since spent many breaks at the hotel – and 9 Christmases! – because we enjoy it so much.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas means everything, and Low Wood Bay provides everything we need for the festive period. It takes the stress out of all the work involved in doing Christmas at home. No more cooking and washing up! We are looked upon as part of the Low Wood Bay family because of our regular visits. We have met some very nice people, and some have become good friends. It is noticeable that many residents return to Low Wood Bay year on year. This is, in our opinion, a good recommendation for the Hotel.
Good friends made over Christmas at Low Wood Bay
Do you have a favourite Christmas activity?
It is too difficult to single out one activity at the Hotel when so much goes on over the holiday period. For example, we’ve had Santa arriving on water skis on a couple of occasions, Bingo hosted by Nevil, the General Manager, Christmas Night Casino Night, the Christmas Quiz, a boat trip on the Lake on Boxing Day, not forgetting the wonderful food provided by the amazing kitchen team.
Jill wrapped up and enjoying a festive boat trip on Windermere
However, even with all this going on, there is still time to sit and relax, and, of course, partake in the Christmas Cake cut which is distributed on Christmas afternoon. If you are very lucky you can also win a prize for guessing the weight!
The highlight of the break is the themed 5-course Gala Dinner on Boxing Night. There is always something different to surprise us all on this evening.
We are always overwhelmed by the friendly and courteous manner of all members of staff team, without exception.
Alar making sure that Christmas glasses are topped up
What changes to Low Wood Bay have you noticed over the years?
When we originally visited Low Wood Bay for Christmas in 2008 the Hotel was warm and welcoming and it has continued in this vein each time we have stayed.
However, since the refurbishment over the last 18 months the Hotel has changed beyond belief with the work that has been carried out. The Hotel bedrooms have been given a stunning makeover and the addition of the Atrium and the Blue Smoke has given a new dimension to the Hotel. We have yet to experience the new Spa during our stay this Christmas.
Back in 2008 we were given a very warm welcome to Low Wood Bay and that continues to this day. Anyone booking this year for the very first time can be assured of the same warm welcome and they will soon settle in and wonder why they have not chosen to experience Christmas at Low Wood Bay before.
Make Low Wood Bay Part of Your Christmas or New Year Celebration
Taking all the hard work out of Christmas and New Year can be just a conversation away. Call us on 0330 4043 933
Whether it’s a 1st or a 50th, each and every anniversary marks a significant time in a marriage and we are humbled that so many couples choose to celebrate their special day here at Low Wood Bay.
The hotels beautiful lakeside views, leisure and spa facilities and stunning countryside location make it the perfect romantic setting to celebrate your love and commitment. When Angela Carr got in touch with the hotel and I began organising her parent’s Golden Wedding Anniversary, it only seemed natural that I shared their story.
The celebration was a modest yet significant affair consisting of an evening meal in our Windermere Restaurant and a relaxing two-night stay in one of the hotel’s unique feature rooms overlooking Windermere.
Low Wood Bay Windermere Restaurant set up for a celebration / Chris Freeer Photography
Example Low Wood Bay Feature Room
Views out of Windermere from Low Wood Bay’s Lake View room
Just over 50 years ago when a 20-year-old Harry met 16-year-old Pauline, neither of them could have imagined that this was what the future had in store for them.
The Best Choice was Second Choice
In 1962 each of the young singles lived with their parents in The West Midlands, but it was their employment at a bicycle factory in Smethwick which brought them together. When I asked Pauline how they fell for each other and if she thought it was love at first sight her answer was refreshingly honest
I don’t know about love at first sight, I think I was second.
Harry and a close friend of Pauline’s had planned a date at the local cinema, but as fate would have it, at very short notice she decided against the meet-up. Consequently, Pauline was asked to go to the cinema to tell Harry that his date would not be showing up, but when the evening came and the news was revealed Harry’s reply was not at all expected
You might as well come with me then.
And so, although Pauline had to pay for her own ticket, she and Harry had their first date and from that very evening, their relationship flourished and their days were filled with mischief.
My dad always made me get in by 10 o’clock, so if we were late, Harry would sit me on the cross-bar of his bike to get me home. We would come down the hill very fast and one night a policeman blew his whistle for us to slow down… Harry peddled faster.
Pauline and Harry on their Wedding Day in 1966
The couple’s traditional white wedding took place in 1966 at Ackull Church and shortly afterwards their 2 daughters, Leslie and Angela, were born. Fast forward 50 years and the couple are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their daughters’ families and their grandchildren, Christopher, Emma and Leah, here at the Low Wood Bay.
Anniversary Celebrations at Low Wood Bay
Whatever your special occasion, our dedicated team at our Lake District Hotel in Low Wood Bay would be delighted to help design your unique event to make it another one to add to the family album. Give Rachel a call on 015394 39479 for an informal chat.
Low Wood Watersports Centre was the scene of military action this week, with WWII vehicles and servicemen and women from Catterick Garrison. This was the big-hearted vision of David Forster, member of the North East Military Vehicle Club.
Amphibious Military Vehicle in front of Low Wood Bay Marina
Whilst watching a documentary in 2014 about Help for Heroes, David Forster, partially disabled himself, wondered how he could get involved and help injured soldiers. David is a member of the North East Military Vehicle Club and hit on the inspirational ideas of taking a fleet of their WWII Vehicles to the Lake District and inviting some of our ex-service men and women along for the ride.
WWII Vehicles at Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre
Supported by his wife, Doris Ann, and members of the Military Vehicle Club, David worked tirelessly to bring several elements together in order to make it happen. Needless to say, the folks at Phoenix House Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison were delighted with the idea. There was no shortage of volunteers to join the procession of vintage war vehicles to the Lake District. Events like these are proven to help people transition back into the community, make new friends and reduce feelings of isolation.
This is the second year of David’s vision – and it has just got bigger and better. Approached to make an application to the People’s Project, David secured Lottery funding of almost £50,000 for an action packed two-day adventure, again in the Lake District Hotels. As well as the WWII jeeps, they are bringing vehicles involved in the D-Day landings and a DUKW amphibious vehicle.
Low Wood Bay Watersports are delighted to host the Heroes as they have a go at fly boarding, water skiing and open water swimming on Windermere.
The convoy will then roll out to Honister for a tour of the mine, and the Via Ferrata Xtreme for those with a head for heights. Rounding off the two-day event, they will take to mountain bikes around Whinlatter Pass and Forest.
Via Ferrata at Honister
David and Doris Ann, we salute you, and all the volunteers from the Military Vehicle Club that have given their time and resources to make this heroic Lake District event a reality.
If anybody can give advice about how to improve your open water swimming performance it is Cassie Patten! Olympic medallist and winner of the inaugural Great North Swim in 2008, Cassie has encouraged thousands of us to dive in and have a go.
We asked her recently to give us her top ten tips at one of our Lake District Hotels for getting ready for competition with a view to going the distance with confidence. These should come in handy for the Great North Swim at Low Wood Bay in Windermere!
1. Breathe!
Photo credit – Bike List
I come across many people who struggle with their breathing when faced with open water, It’s totally normal and will get easier with practice. It’s vital you know how to get your breathing under control – you need to be as relaxed and confident as possible in a race situation. Try ‘bubble breathing’ underwater. If you make yourself say the word ‘bubble’ as you put your face in, you will be forced to exhale, allowing you to inhale more naturally as you take your next breath.
2. Find a happy place
In a race situation, you will probably feel nervous at some point. It is important that you are able to bring everything back to a normal standing point, so that you can avoid getting into a panic state. For me, the best way to do this is to think about something that makes me feel great. It doesn’t have to be swimming related – it could be a holiday, a person or a moment that lifts your spirits. Do this in training so that it comes naturally when you need it in a race.
3. Get the right wetsuit
If you intend to race in a wetsuit, ensure you get one that fits you well as there is nothing worse than an ill-fitting wetsuit! Don’t be afraid to ask wetsuit companies if you can try on the wetsuits, and don’t hesitate to send your suit back if you’re not sure about the fit.
4. Safety
When training in open water, safety comes first. Never train alone, and if possible, try to join a group or a club who are familiar with the location and potential hazards. Just because the water looks calm, doesn’t always mean it is safe to swim in. You may wish to consider swimming with a tow float too, which will make you more visible in the water.
5. Sighting
Sighting can take up quite a lot of energy if you are not comfortable with the movement. Try to practise sighting even when you are training in the pool. The better you become at incorporating sighting into your stroke, the easier you will find it in a race situation. When you sight, don’t worry if you don’t see what you are aiming for on your first look. Take a few more strokes, and look again.
6. Train your energy systems
It is easy to approach a training session with a simple distance goal in mind, such as: ‘I’m going to swim a mile today’. However, it is important that you mix up your training sessions so that you ‘train your energy systems’: mix sprints with tempo and distance work to get the best results. It may be that you need to be able to sprint at some point in your race, and you need to be prepared for this.
7. Plan ahead
Getting used to swimming in Open Water
Plan your session before you hit the water. This will ensure you get the best from your time in the water, and that you remain engaged and motivated throughout.
8. Matt laminate is your friend!
If you matt laminate a piece of paper, you can write your session on this in pencil and re-use it on poolside.
9. Drafting
Go out and practice drafting with a group of friends, or join an open water club session and team up with some swimmers to have a go at getting close in the water. Don’t be scared to swim right behind and just behind the hips of other swimmers, try it in training to get a feel for what is possible in a race environment.
10. Visualise
Before your race, visualise the course in your head. Think your way through different circumstances, and what you will do if they occur – for example, what is your plan if you get cramp? What do you intend to do your goggles come off? What will you do if you feel much better in the water than you thought you would do?
And Finally…
For those entering the Great North Swim at Low Wood Bay, we wish you every success. For those considering it for next year, we would encourage you to use Cassie’s tips to take to the water.
There are many reasons to visit the stunning new Atrium at Low Wood Bay, here are the first five that come to mind.
Fantastic Lake District Views
Positioned above Lake Windermere and offering uninterrupted views over the lake and towards the mountains beyond, we can’t imagine a better backdrop for meeting up with friends for coffee or afternoon tea.
A Place to Conference
Since opening, the local business community have discovered the Atrium to be a comfortable laid back environment for meeting clients and business partners. Others find it a place to escape on their own with a laptop to write reports or somewhere to sit back and think creative thoughts. Who said that work has to be confined to the office.
Great Tasting Coffee
Most of us love a good cup of coffee. Norman’s, our Juice and Coffee Bar, sent their coffee scouts out and about around the country to find what we consider one of the best coffee suppliers around. Lontons Coffee is an artisan coffee producer in the north east of England. They know every field that their coffee beans are grown and grind the coffee in small batch sizes to ensure the freshest, most vibrant taste. We hope visitors to The Atrium agree.
Healthy Snacks
Eating out doesn’t have to mean a calorie-loaded extravaganza. For the health conscious Norman’s has a range of healthy snacks and vitamin-packed smoothies.
A Warm Welcome
There’s something about an open fire that proclaims ‘Welcome!’ The fire pit at the entrance of the Atrium is a warm, cozy space to meet with friends and family.
See You Soon at The Atrium
So whether you are joining friends and family to be seated at our fabulous Blue Smoke restaurant, having a healthy snack between gym sessions at The Healthclub at Low Wood Bay, attending a business meeting or just having a good cup of coffee, grab a comfy seat and enjoy all that is on offer at The Atruim.
We are always delighted to welcome back to Low Wood Bay, ex-service men and women from Catterick Garrison along with members of the North East Military Vehicle Club.
Sunshine Spectacular
David and Doris Forster, with Jeep owner Tom Cummings
This is the fourth Help for Heroes event, organised by David Forster and his wife, Doris Ann, and hosted at the Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay. The activities this year were bathed in spectacular sunshine, creating a real holiday atmosphere and perfect for every type of water sports activity.
Vintage Military Vehicles
It was whilst watching a documentary in 2014 about Help for Heroes that David Forster, partially disabled himself, wondered how he could get involved and help injured soldiers. David is a member of the North East Military Vehicle Club and hit on the inspirational idea of taking a fleet of their WWII Vehicles to the Lake District and inviting some of our ex-service men and women along for the ride.
Supported by his wife, Doris Ann, and members of the Military Vehicle Club, David worked tirelessly to bring several elements together in order to make it happen. Needless to say, the folks at Phoenix House Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison were delighted with the idea. Events like these are proven to help people transition back into the community, make new friends and reduce feelings of isolation.
Amphibious Antics
Once again in 2018, David managed to secure Lottery funding for an action-packed Lake District adventure. The convoy this year included WWII jeeps, DUKW amphibious vehicle, a Russian 1966 GAZ and two Stalwart off-road amphibious military vehicles.
As well as tootling about the lake in these hefty army trucks, the men and women ex-servicemen enjoyed sailing, canoeing, water skiing and paddle boarding overseen by Low Wood Bay watersports instructors. A great time was had by all!
We look forward to welcoming you back next year – and we will try to schedule the sun once again!
Water Sports at Low Wood Bay
The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay is very much open for the season and there’s a real buzz on the lake. There is so much to choose from – sailing, kayaking, canoeing, motor boating, fly boarding, knee boarding, waterskiing! Pop along and talk to one of our qualified instructors or call to book a session 015394 39441.
The Lake District is one step closer to World Heritage Site recognition after receiving an important UNESCO delegation that had the opportunity to see first-hand the magnificent cultural landscape in which we live and work.
Low Wood Bay, the venue for UNESCO World Heritage delegation visit[/caption]
On 2nd October, Low Wood Bay welcomed the Lake District National Park Partnership who hosted the three day event as part of their ongoing bid for the coveted World Heritage inscription. The UNESCO representatives met with a veritable Who’s Who of influential Lake District partners, including district and local councils, Lake District National Park, Cumbria Tourism, University of Cumbria, National Farmers Union, National Trust, Environment Agency, Natural England, RSPB and many more – all united in their desire that The Lake District should be elevated to the select group of sites and landscapes around the world which have been recognised as a vital part of the world’s irreplaceable heritage and which must be protected for generations to come.
Why The Lake District?
The Lake District has long been known as an area of outstanding beauty but the bid needed to satisfy the criterion of having outstanding universal value to join such sites as Stonehenge, Tower of London, Taj Mahal, Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef.
Looking over Ashness Bridge to Derwent Water and Skiddaw, the Lake District[/caption]
This was not difficult to articulate. This concentrated area of magnificent mountains and lakes, modified by hundreds of years of sheep farming has created a unique landscape of fields, farms and open grazing on the fells. The natural beauty became, and remains, a source of inspiration for artists, writers, architects and landscape gardeners.
Wasdale by John Pickles[/caption]
Rydal Mount gardens / CC 2.0 alh1[/caption]
The English Lake District is known as the cradle of British Romanticism epitomised by the writings of William Wordsworth and fellow poets. Wordsworth also expressed the initial idea of a protected landscape for all to enjoy. This envisioned accessibility opened the flood gates of visitors to the area, posing a threat to the integrity of the landscape, a threat which in itself eventually led to the birth of the conservation movement in Britain, and influential in inspiring birth of The National Trust.
William Wordsworth, an important figure in Lake District heritage[/caption]
Awareness around the World
As well as affirming the importance of our identify and giving us a huge sense of achievement, becoming a World Heritage Site raises awareness around the world by individuals, institutions and governments and leads to a greater level of preservation and conservation. It also opens the door to a wealth of expert advice from around the globe and can lead to financial assistance.
Herdwick sheep, a native Lake District breed[/caption]
The cultural role of farming and its role within the landscape will receive greater recognition and the number of cultural visitors to the area will increase, having a knock on effect on accommodation, leisure and food industries.
The Story So Far
The United Kingdom has a Tentative List of potential World Heritage sites from which the World Heritage Committee can consider nominations. The Lake District has been on that list for many years and a potential bid a regular topic of conversation, so much so that in 2005 The Lake District National Park Partnership was formed to facilitate the next step in the process.
In January 2014 The Department of Culture, Media and Sports recommended that The Lake District be put forward for consideration. The Lake District National Park Partnership was tasked with compiling an exhaustive nomination dossier in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Media and Sports. The final nomination was submitted to UNESCO in February 2016, and the careful review of the evidence by three advisory bodies began in March.
The most recent delegation to the Lake District is an important part of the review process. There follows a period of nine months before we will know the outcome of the committee’s deliberations in July 2017.
Low Wood Bay Development
An early artist’s impression of Low Wood Bay’s new development with new spa, rooms, restaurant, grounds and public areas.[/caption]
In readiness for successful World Heritage inscription, English Lakes has embarked on the redevelopment of Low Wood Bay, creating the Lake District’s first luxury destination resort. On hearing the news that we had been granted the necessary planning permission, Simon Berry, our Chairman and Managing Director said,
We’re thrilled that the Lake District National Park Authority recognises what we are trying to achieve. In setting its vision for the park to be ‘world class’, it is now clearly supporting business to deliver on that vision and is showing the faith to back us on this project.
On their Golden Wedding anniversary, Nell & David Adcock decided to revisit Low Wood Bay where they had spent their honeymoon. Looking through their original wedding mementos, they found the final bill for their 4-night stay at the Windermere hotel – £20.16! At the time they would never have made the connection between the price and the year of their 50th anniversary. To mark this special occasion, Low Wood Bay was delighted to honour the rate from 1966. Rea Howell, PA to the Low Wood Manager, shares their story.
David and Nell return to Low Wood Bay for their Golden Wedding. Meeting with Rea in the lounge[/caption]
We consider Low Wood our hotel. We honeymooned here then returned for our Silver, Ruby and now Golden Wedding Anniversary. It is special to us and we have been made so welcome by everyone, it will always be our Low Wood.
A Spark, and a Spring that led to a Ring
When Nell & David met at work in 1961, Nell was a shy 14 year old just out of school and David was an engineer called to fix an issue on her punch card machine, just two days after she started work. Her work colleagues noticed a spark between them and so a friend bent a spring on her machine just to get David to come back! This got David in some trouble as it was seen as a repeat call which was not company standard. It was obviously worth it though, and certainly paid off.
1966 was a big year for Nell & David. They bought their first house in January and married in the September. A camping trip to Troutbeck that Easter led them to book Low Wood for their honeymoon – their first ever stay in a hotel.
There was no huge song and dance of getting down on one knee. We knew we wanted to get married so we just started planning the wedding.
Escaping Tradition – almost!
Nell & David were married at the local church where Nell’s Father was Organ Master. Nell recalls the panic when 3 weeks before the big day they returned to the Bakery they had booked as caterers, only to discover the business had gone and was now an electrical shop.
It was only 3 weeks to go and I just thought, what are we going to do? Luckily a colleague who worked in the canteen stepped in and did the catering. It was such a panic at the time though.
It was tradition that friends would decorate your car when you got married, usually with lipstick which could mark the paint. David vividly recalls parking their Morris Minor out of view and getting his Father to drive them down the road before doubling back for the car. Their friends chased them shouting, ‘We know where you live!’ When they returned from honeymoon their house was decorated from top to bottom with toilet roll, and the neighbours weren’t too impressed.
After escaping their friends they travelled to Low Wood Bay, ensuring they stopped and changed their clothes en route. They were almost embarrassed to be newlyweds and were desperate just to blend in, even wondering at breakfast whether anyone had guessed.
The Secret of a Happy Marriage
When asking Nell and David about what makes a successful marriage Nell comments,
The first year is all about learning to consider this other person in your life. I remember in our 1st year of marriage we needed to buy a fridge. Needless to say, we couldn’t agree and so I walked off thinking David would follow me. I ended up walking to the next village which is about 5 miles away! After the first year, marriage is all about tolerance and understanding from both sides. You need to be tolerant of each other and not hold a grudge.
David sees marriage in a very similar way.
You need to understand that you don’t see things the same. Things wash over me that Nell sees differently – like the fridge!
Congratulations to Nell and David. It was wonderful to welcome them back to Low Wood Bay and to listen to their fond memories.
Perfect for Honeymoon Couples
Planning your honeymoon, an anniversary or just a romantic get away, Low Wood Bay is still the perfect venue.
Paul Hamilton is one of a team at Low Wood Bay who welcome our guests as they arrive at the Gatehouse.
Last week he was delighted to open the barrier to some stunning cars from the Hell Yeah Rally 2018 who were staying with us during the Lake District leg of their rally. Quick thinking Paul managed to capture a few images of the impressive motors before they took off to the Cumbria International Motor Show.
Paul on welcome duty at Low Wood Bay Gatehouse, often our guests first point of contact
Breathtaking Roads and Scenery
The Hell Yeah Rally 2018 Lake District Tour set off from Alexanders Prestige in North Yorkshire on Thursday 17th May 2018. There were twenty-six cars in total on the 4-day rally. They came from all over UK and Europe, the furthest afield being an R33 Nissan Skyline GTR from The Netherlands.
Heading to the Lake District via The Yorkshire Dales, the rally took in some of the UK’s most breathtaking roads and scenery. They stopped over at some remotely located pubs and several spa hotels in the Lake District, including Low Wood Bay Here’s what a couple of the rally participants thought of the roads…
“This year’s Lake District Rally was great fun from start to finish. The organisers, Jeff and Tony had mapped out some amazing routes with roads and views to match anything elsewhere in Europe. We took in mountain passes with tight switch-backs and lakeside drives with views so stunning that although the focus is always on driving, we just had to pull in a few times to take it all in and take a few photos”.AD, Derbyshire
“The Hell Yeah Rally was an amazing trip through the Lake District sampling some of the best roads in the area, made all the better with the like-minded people on the tour with us. The stay at Low Wood was very enjoyable, our room had a lovely view overlooking the Lake. I really liked the modern features of the hotel, especially the fireplace at the entrance.” CB, AlexandriaPrevious
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert Curme
Hell Yeah Rally at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Credit Robert CurmeNext
Created Thursday, May 17, 2018, by Tina Taylor
Stunning scenery from previous car rallies visiting English Lakes Hotels
South Lakeland’s Supercar Show
Following the rally, on Sunday 20th May 2018, 20 of the cars that took part in the rally will be displayed at the Cumbria International Motor Show at Westmorland Show Ground. Now in its 6th consecutive year, the Cumbria International Motor is South Lakeland’s premier Supercar Show, a luxurious event appealing to collectors, buyers, dealers, owners and enthusiasts who prefer a more intimate and engaging motoring experience. There was also plenty of entertainment at the show along with talks from famous car-related celebrities such as The Gentleman Racer, Tom Howard, and Don Wales who holds the World Land Speed Record for a Steam Car and previous record holder of Project Runningblade, the World’s Fastest Lawn Mower.
Tony, the rally organiser commented, “We had a fantastic weekend and Low Wood was a great place to stay. We are thinking of staying in the same hotel for all 3 nights next year so we will see you next year!”.
Perfect Venues for Car Rallies
With spectacular views, Spa facilities and a touch of luxury, Low Wood Bay is the perfect stopping off point for car enthusiasts.
Low Wood Bay Resort on Windermere
The Midland in Morecambe has also welcomed a range of classic and super cars. Their owners always have interesting anecdotes of their travels around the country and further afield. If you are planning a Car Rally or any other corporate event, give our team a call and they would be happy to help with your planning 015394 39469.
Steve Darvill of The Handmade Ice Cream Company is producing delicious ice cream for both The Wild Boar and Blue Smoke on The Bay. We caught up with him on a recent trip to The Wild Boar. Chef had agreed to smoke the almonds he needed for the Blue Smoke Smoked Almond and Maple Syrup recipe. We asked him what makes his ice cream oh so scrumptious…
Why Ice Cream?
I started off as a Pastry Chef in restaurants and hotels in the south of England for fifteen years. My passion has always been creating beautiful ice creams and sorbets so I wanted to develop this in to a company that sells small batch artisan ice creams with completely natural ingredients.
When did you move to The Lake District?
For as long as I remember The Lake District had been my favourite place. I simply fell in love with the area during family holidays. Making the big move, I relocated to the north about nine years ago.
A Gap in the Market
Handmade Ice Cream started in 2012. I saw a real gap in the market. Chefs generally want to deliver creative desserts accompanied by the best quality home-made ice cream. Time restraints and high equipment costs can mean that it is not possible to make their own ice cream. The only alternative in the past was mass produced ice cream full of artificial flavours colours and pumped full of air, more like frozen mousse than real ice cream.
What gives your recipes the edge?
We use absolutely the best and freshest ingredients we can – really good quality thick double cream, pure Belgian chocolate, Madagascan vanilla pods, fresh fruit and real alcohol. We also bake/ make all our own fruit purees, compotes, gingerbreads, caramels. You will certainly not find any artificial flavours or colours in any of our ice creams.
We source our milk and cream locally and also try and work with other small companies to make collaboration ice creams including Kin Toffee Vodka and The English lakes tea and coffee company
We supply to a number of companies around the North West, restaurants, hotels, retail and wholesale, from Farm Shops to Booths supermarket.
Blue Smoke on the Bay Ice Cream
We worked with the Chefs at Blue Smoke on the Bay to create two bespoke ice creams – Goslings Black Seal Rum and Raisin and Smoked Almond and Maple Syrup. It’s an ongoing relationship so we are constantly developing new flavours with the team of chefs.
HOT APPLE, SULTANA AND ALMOND STRUDEL with Smoked Almond and Maple Syrup Ice Cream
Goslings Black Seal Rum and Raisin features best quality raisins that we’ve soak in Gosling’s rum for up to three months. Once they are fully plump and full of flavour we combine with a rich double-cream mix.
Smoked Almonds from The Wild Boar Smokehouse
The Smoked Almond and Maple Syrup ice cream uses almonds smoked at The Wild Boar Smokehouse, chopped and coated in maple syrup to add a sweet caramel flavour to the nuts. Then the sweetened, smoky nuts are added to double-cream.
Save Room for The Best Bit
Book a table and enjoy Handmade Ice Cream at either The Wild Boar Inn, Grill and Smokehouse or Blue Smoke on the Bay.
The Wild Boar 015394 45225
Blue Smoke on the Bay 015394 33338
Remember our local residents and regular visitors who have a Relish Card can enjoy 10% Discount off all meals and drinks, as well as some great seasonal special offers.
