Cafe In The Courtyard in South Lakeland

We love going to Fresher's. The staff are all amazing and so welcoming and helpful and the food is delicious (especially the quiche and the scones) with very generous servings. We visit most times we come up to Ambleside and have never been disappointed. Today we shared a piece of breakfast quiche, the picture is my half of it. Our toddler loves coming too, and whenever we've come with a dog, they've been very welcome too. I don't know if I wish it was closer to home, or glad it's sufficiently far away that I can't be in every week!

The cafe is just below the Hoad Hill and John Barrow Monument so its a great place to have a cuppa or snack after tackling the climb up to the monument. The staff were very pleasant and you can sit outside or in. We relaxed and enjoyed our tea, then had a look around the Ford Park garden.

Warmly welcomed and served quickly despite being busy. Coffee was delicious and served in a quirky cup with cute teaspoon, really nice attention to detail here. Sandwich was well filled and tasted (bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado). We ordered cakes to go - banana, choc and baileys and chocolate peanut butter. Both delicious!

We've had some amazing meals at top restaurants all over the world, including a 21 course meal at a three michelin star restaurant, but honestly, I think this one was the best ever. We've been to the Stamp house twice before and as soon as we knew we were coming to the Lakes this weekend, I was on the website at 5am as soon as the reservations for March opened, making sure I could book us a table. We talked to the sommellier about our favourite types of wine and he suggested a few modest ones but we really pushed the boat out and ordered a bottle of Nosotros Malbec, which was utterly amazing. Im going to have to get my wife this for Christmas now ! He was so enthusiastic about this wine that it made it even better. We started with two amuse bouche, my cheese one just melted in my mouth and was so flavoursome. Then wonderful baked hot bread ( I had two ! ) a fish started, an onion tart with broth, three more savoury dishes ( mainly fish as per my request ) and then three amazing desserts, each one creamier and tastier than the last. The final one was macaroons with cream and sauce for me and glazed pineapple cubes for my wife. Her meal was completely vegan and I know shes enjoyed it when I dont get offered any. I didnt get a crumb ! Each dish was a decent size and so full of flavour. Superb presentation and perfect service. We rounded off the meal with a glass of port. The price - under £100. Just amazing. Simply cant wait to go back !

We try and stay at Ambleside manor once a year. It's in the perfect location to stroll into Ambleside. The building itself is remarkable and really clean. This is the first year we've noticed that the rooms could do with a little bit of maintenance (Room 12). Tv aerial was loose, chipping on the bath panel and quite bad damage to one of the armchairs. But, it's still very clean which is good and packed full of good quality coffee's, biscuits etc Staff are always welcoming and accommodating (especially with a 2 year old attempting to run riot). Breakfast is really good, easy to park and a good nights sleep so it stays 5 stars from us. See you next year hopefully