Courtyard Bar and Brasserie in Allerdale

My husband, myself and our 13 year old son visited The Brasserie two days ago on a Saturday evening. We were able to walk from our cottage accomadation to the Brasserie. On arrival to the venue we were very impressed by the beautiful driveway leading down to the Brasserie. The whole establishment is obviously very well kept with beautiful spring flowers and plants and lovely lighting down the drive. On entering the Brasserie however, we were suprised that the decor didnt appear to match the rest of the hotel. We were approached by a friendly waiter on arrival who took our drinks and food order promptly. He checked we were all ok during the first half of our meal and we felt his interactions with us were appropriate, not too overpowering or disinterested. My husband ordered the mushroom stroganoff. He felt it was quite ordinary and bland. I ordered the brushetta and a side portion of fries. I felt the brushetta was overpriced but the fries were beautiful. My son ordered the pizza which he said was really tasty! During the meal.another member of staff( female) arrived and we have to say it was quite an experience! We had ordered a second round of drinks. I had ordere a lakes gin and a small bottle of fever tree ginger ale to mix it with. I was allowing my son to taste the ginger ale from the bottle. The waitress appeared out of nowhere and snatched the bottle from his hand with a resounding"no!" It shocked us all! We reassured her that this was not an alcoholuc drink. She then commented in quite a rude manner when my husband wiped his nose gently on a napkin and also told us later on during the meal that she was used to working in the " posh restaurant". During our meal she stood over us on several.occasions which we felt was inappropriate and a bit unnerving! We felt she would benefit from some more training from more experienced members of staff. We did realise she was young and and was probably trying to.please (.a little too much). We were very patient with her but felt there may be future guests who may not be quite so tolerant! A little later during the evening my husband and our son went to use the toilet closest to the Brasserie. They came back and both told me there was smashed glass on the floor and a dirty nappy. My husband reported this to a member of staff from the spa team. On leaving the Brasserie we walked through to the hotel reception as we were all so concerned about the state of the toilet and wanted to ensure it had been sorted and the message had got trough. The lady on hotel reception didnt appear to know anything about this but we did see her promptly speaking to another hotel member of staff after our conversation. The only other disappointing part to.our meal was the cheeseboard. It sounded fantastic on the Brasserie menu but when it arrived we were informed that some of the cheeses were not available. The waiter did however add a few extra for us but we felt this could have been mentioned before we went ahead with the order. Sadly it was a disappointing experience as it could be a fabulous setting within the grounds of an obviously gorgeous hotel.

The brasserie was ok, the food and drinks were very expensive, £47 for a beef baguette, pizza, a side of chips & 2 drinks. !

i was treating the office staff of KTC where I was a councilor for many years. As of course it was a working day for them we were not in a huge rush but time was a factor, There was another couple of tables plus us so the restaurant was not busy. we ordered our drinks and food. I club sandwich. 1 soup. 1 pizza, and 1 salad. 65 minutes later the food arrived The waitress was very sweet and apologetic and even took a group photo for us. the food was ok except for the pizza which had a nicely scorched crust. . although we enjoyed ourselves. it was disappointing that a major hotel in Keswick was not better prepared for customers .I hate to think how long we would have had to wait for our food if the restaurant had been busy

Sunday in the Armathwaite Hall brasserie was very nice. No beef only turkey but that's fine. Bit disappointed with standards, people in spa robes and kids playing on phones with volume loud....suppose that's the parents fault. Best bit was when someone in the kitchen dropped the F Bomb and the noisy kid heard and repeated it....was like a Fawlty Towers episode. Young waiter was very polite despite trying circumstances. Tried to charge us full price despite having a Sunday Lunch voucher for 2 that didn't cover the cost of Sunday Lunch for 2. Lovely lunch but wouldn't rush back.

Booked for bistro . On arrival was ushered into a room that looked like a badly decorated 1950s B and B. and was obviously not the bistro. No-one seemed aware that we had booked and the place was empty and devoid of any atmosphere. Menu was limited and not as advertised on the website. 80s/90s pop music was continuously blaring on the speakers. Having been reccomended I will not be returning.

Bistro style and very appropriate for spa day guests. Not much view, but food is done well. Worth a visit.

Portions were huge! Maybe we shouldn’t have eaten as much but couldn’t fit in a dessert. The food was well presented and tasty. Two members of the party had upset stomachs later in the day and this was the only meal eaten. Worth it though.

Service was slow, but that’s probably as they were understaffed, we were on a spa day so treats all the way! Prawn salad sandwiches there huge! Fish & chips & burger, apparently the onion rings were lush, huge portions, could be really great!

Pub food, despite the restaurants grand title. Pleasant service, the smoked salmon wrap with fries was very good. Not expensive

Nice atmosphere, friendly staff , good food at a reasonable price. Would go back if we were in the area.

Outside table on the terrace for lunch. Our waitress Aleisha was exceptional. She knew our booking & dietary requirements even though she wasn’t there when we arrived. She arranged a delicious sorbet & berry dessert for our gluten/lactose intolerant diner. No view of the lake but wonderful mature trees.

We took my husbands parents here for coffee last weekend. They didn't get us to sign a track and trace on arrival. Then when it started to rain a little they moved people who were eating inside! Although big doors were open we are sure it wasn't the correct amount of fresh air needed in order to be in line with government regulations.. We were very suprised this!? Coffee was bad and cold. They did give us one coffee for free as that was stone cold on arrival. (thank. You kindly!) Really not worth the money and we chose the tea room as we thought it would be clean and safer regarding covid. But unfortunately it was just average. Disappointing really.

Stopped off here yesterday for lunch in the Courtyard Bar and Brassiere. Lovely lunch with attentive staff although we did have to ask for track and trace details to be taken. On leaving decided to photograph the Belted Galloways in the field adjacent to the Hotel. Appalled to see the discarded cans and cigarette ends in what appeared to be the smoking shelter used by staff. I did e mail the hotel pointing out that perhaps they should have a bin in place to avoid such an eyesore but sadly have had no acknowledgement or response. I would have expected more from what is portrayed as a high class establishment. Perhaps living on a past reputation and expected more. No excuse for litter, especially from staff.

Nice atmosphere, casual and relaxed. I chose the fish and chips, never having had this before but always wanting to try it. It did not disappoint. My wife chose a light nachos dish and a glass or two of nice white wine. We both enjoyed the experience and would certainly eat here again.

Just back from a nights stay at the armathwaite hall hotel. We were on a dinner, bed and breakfast package. You could choose to eat here at the courtyard which is a more informally dressed relaxed restaurant. Perfect for us! The service here was fantastic! All waiting staff were so attentive. We were told we had £35 per person to spend on food. So we did!!! We had the baked Camembert for a starter which is a must try!!!! We highly recommend this! My husband had the Cajun chicken with bacon and cheese added on. We asked for the bacon to be well done...it was cooked to perfection! I ordered the 10oz sirloin rare...again, cooked to perfection! We had a side order of a garlic bread with cheese and for dessert we ordered the cheese board. We had to take this up to the room as we were so full! EVERYTHING WAS COOKED AND SERVED PERFECTLY! 10/10 FOR EVERYTHING WE TRIED HERE AND ALSO FOR THE SERVICE! Believe me...when they tell you “you won’t walk away from this restaurant hungry” they are not lying! DINE HERE AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Thankyou for a lovely evening!

We chose to dine here as not able to dine in the main restaurant as my husband not bought a smart pair of trousers.We found the menu rather like pub grub and the one thing we wanted the duck when we came to order was not available at just gone 7.30pm, so ended up having a tapas between the two of us. Normally when we chose 6 tapas dishes it's more than enough but when they arrived we have never seen such small portions! The garlic prawns was more like an Chinese dish served with rice! Out of wonderful experience of the stay at Armathwaithe Hall this was the thing that let it down. Even the baked Alaska pudding did not make the mark! If we every stay here again we will use the main restaurant.

Enjoyed a lovely relaxed early evening meal here. Service was friendly and efficient. The food was well presented and of excellent quality.

Tenía una comida de 3 platos aquí como parte de una oferta con el hotel y tengo que decir que estaba bien, pero no está mal. El servicio era bueno. Las porciones de comida eran de un tamaño decente, pero no parecían tener mucho sabor. La factura total era cara teniendo en cuenta que ambos pensábamos que la comida estaba bien. La tarta de queso era agradable, pero la base era muy difícil de romper y comer, hasta el punto de que me di por vencida al comerla.No comer allí otra vez dada una opción.

Two evening meals during my stay and they were both exceptional. Pizza's on night one and Marinated chicken kebab on night two. Both very tasty. Well worth a visit.

Just turned up at the Brasserie at Armathwaite Hall, no we hadn’t booked a table. Thé Brasserie was more than half empty but because there was a table for 8 in waiting for food we could be seated but they wouldn’t take our order for food for 30 mins. There were 15 people in the restaurant, including the table of 8.

We were staying at the hotel and it was convienient to dine here. The food was Ok but not exceptional. The Pizza was a good size and proper Italian style, the Chicken and Mushroom dish was very good but overly salted and my daughter's vegetarian dish was very run of the mill.We ate early and whilst there were a couple of families eating it did feel rather empty and lacking in any atmoshere. Service was fine but rather impersonal in contrast to the Hotel which it is part of.

Good quality meal at a reasonable price within an excellent luxury hotel. Both meals were large, tasty and of a high level Would eat there again

Although there are plenty of Staff walking around, Service at the Courtyard Bar can be a bit slow in the afternoons, but the views and atmosphere compensate for this.

Amazing - a more relaxing restaurant in this wonderful hotel.That is not to say that the food in any way is inferior - I had a steak which was one of the best I have ever tasted. menu quite extensive, and all food being served looked wonderful, and all diners exceedingly full and content.

Great food, good choice, lovely service and good value for money... busy on a Sunday night... good atmosphere !

We couldn't fault the food here, and the portions are generous. All food was served hot, it tasted delicious and the rib eye steak just melted in the mouth. The cheeseboard was decent and the sticky toffee pudding with brandy snap was very indulgent. We'd recommend sharing it between 2

For a treat we decided to have Christmas Day lunch in the Courtyard Brasserie. I am sorry to say, the meal did not come up to our expectations, particularly the way the main course was presented and the lack of fresh vegetables. It was served as "ready plated" with the vegetables comprising one roast potato, two sprouts, two stubby carrots and a helping of red cabbage. Besides the stuffing the turkey was accompanied by a large Yorkshire pudding. One person in our group does not eat carrots and two do not eat red cabbage so our choices were limited. It is usual to chose your vegetables. These should include mashed potato, parsnips and more sprouts and roast potatoes, all of which are cheap to buy. Silver service by waiters or at least separate serving dishes to help ourselves would be the norm. Alas, this meal lacked value despite the attentive service from the waiting staff. This was the first time we have been to Armathwaite Hall but in our view it did not live up to the reputation we had heard from other people. Even the carpark was poorly lit and surfaced for those wearing party style shoes.

Food and service was excellent. Pleasant atmosphere and a varied menu to suit everyone. My steak was cooked to perfection. The only problem I had was that I was unable to make room for a sweet.

We had a lunch here last week. The service was really nice, but the food was a let down. We had nibbles most of which was bought in like prawns, brie bites, sauces. Quite dissapointing. Main course halloumi burger was huge, difficult to handle on a flat board, with shop bought pesto. Not very well executed. It was standard pub grub nothing more.

Have just left the hotel after a very flat experience. It was a meal - prebooked but no table prepared for us when we arrived at the 8.15 booked time - in the Brasserie. Took over an hour for the food to arrive and two of three meals were cold. Staff offered a recook but by then we had gone on to 9.30 so we left - food at Keswick Reach is less than half the price and altogether better experience. Cold food is not acceptable at any price .

My mum and I are members of the spa and have been in the brasserie on a number of occasions over the past year. The staff are very friendly and attentive, particularly a waiter named George. The food is good quality and well presented, we would definitely recommend eating here for brunch, lunch or an evening meal.

Had several meals from here, the french onion soup and black pudding starter were epic! Service was really friendly and attentive.

We went there after having booked a table for 6 people. The service was good but there was some mix up over the time the booking was made. We were there for a wedding the following day and other members of our family were unable to get in at the brassiere even though they had previously booked. This was a bit annoying. However our food was delicious.

I am a member at the health club and often have brunch in the brasserie. Staff are lovely and the food is great - today J had the best eggs florentine I’ve ever tasted with gluten free toasted roll which I requested. Perfect!

I'm probably not surprised my friends thought I sounded like Victor Meldrew but my frustrations were all too real. I have stayed at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel previously and liked it. When we are in the area we regularly call in for a meal, usually lunch and weather permitting enjoy sitting outside soaking up the scenery from the patio. On this occasion we had friends with us and arrived between ten to and five to two. By the time I found a waiter we were told lunch orders had finished because the restaurant kitchen closed at quarter to two; but we could choose from a range of sandwiches which we duly ordered along with our drinks. In addition we asked for a bowl of chips to share but it quickly transpired this was not possible because the restaurant kitchen closed at quarter to two ! but we could walk round to the Brasserie where there was a full a la carte menue (which included chips). It was then that I came up with a splendid idea and asked if we could leave our original order of sandwiches and drinks (and ourselves) in place and simply have some chips brought along from the Brasserie. Definitely not was the reply,Chef would be angry because the restaurant kitchen closed at quarter to two. "I don't believe it" I exclaimed. Faced with this dilemma we trekked to the Brasserie Patio which is situated in a car park at the side of the building where we were served a reasonable meal (with chips) to the tune of an electric drill being used nearby. I don't think I'll go back. Whilst it probably all sounds a bit trivial now, I felt very disappointed that a hotel with reputation of Armathwaite Hall could be so inflexible. Poor Service Armathwaite ! David L.

Hardly anyone in on a Friday night and we were the only people left by 9pm, so no atmosphere at all - we weren't guests of the hotel. Service good. My meal was nice, husband's not enjoyed at all and was not warm when it came. We were going to have the olives as a nibbles dish to share before starters but they were a whopping £10!! What are they playing at with that?? I couldn't find anything I wanted from the starters. Meal for two came to £90!! That's 1 starter (I had a side of garlic bread), main each (mine a veggie burger), bottle of wine and 2 extra glasses. Won't be back

Really great food and service. Wasn't quite sure what I was ordering but not disappointed. Shame the room I stayed in wasn't up to the same standard.

We were looking for something a bit special for Christmas Lunch and decided to do a 280 mile trip to the lakes after looking at the hotel website.We saw the dining room images on the website, silver service, white table cloths, excellent views and decided to book. £160.00 for two.On arrival we were shown past the dining room photographed on the website and down a long corridor that resembled a train corridor. 100 yards long and room for single row traffic only. At the end was a dark dismal brasserie with burgundy table cloths overlooking the staff quarters and car park. I now know how the losers on Apprentice feel when directed to the greasy cafe to contemplate the lose.My disappointment did not stop there. The food was the worst I have ever had at Christmas, Including when I make my own. It was at best town centre cafe style. Absolutely tasteless, Frozen Yorkshire Puddings and Frozen Potatoes which somehow the chef had managed to under cook. It came piled high like a truckers meal. I have had Sunday lunches with better presentation at mass produced national carveries. the meal came served in it's entirety on a plate and was floating in gravy thinner than water that resembled a broth. The chef if qualified should be ashamed. What happened to serving the vegetables separately? What happened to the white tablecloths and silver service?This was an experience to wipe from my memory. I feel like I have been conned by clever marketing (website deception). Their plan was to obviously take as much money as possible and pay short sharp shrift to experience and quality.Was I advised that I would be fed in the dungeon? No.As we past the main restaurant on the way back out (we took less than an hour) the waitresses were stood against the walls with tea towels on arm, with diners enjoying the experience we were tricked into believing we would be enjoying.We were deceived and felt cheated. I can only assume that both restaurants had different kitchens and chefs. I expected the same level of service as the main restaurant in the hotel

Staying at The Armathwaite Hall Hotel, we had planned to drive to Keswick for lunch. The weather was so poor that we decided to try the Brasserie.What a gem of a place! I did not expect such good quality food at such a reasonable price. My club sandwich was very tasty and the amount of steak in the baguette would satisfy even the largest appetite.

Ate hear on he second night stay at armthwaite hall. Food was just as delicious, dial if you fancy something more informal than the lake view restaurant.

Food was really poor esp the Fajitas. The main saving grace was Alina our waitress who did her best to look after a disappointed family. Alina you are special. If in the brasserie probably order the burger

42 years ago I spent my wedding night here. I returned for a meal. I arrived hungry. I Left hungry. Pretentious miserly meals. I chose Brasserie sacrificing the quality of a 5 course meal which I would expect to be 5 tastes of little substance- for a brasserie of a reasonable quantity with 4 star quality. The cray tails were tadpoles on three lettuce leaves. The fish cakes were three thimbles with nothing. The beef was on a spoonful of pureed mash, three carrot inch ends and 4 twigs of broccoli. I asked for a substantial portion after the starter. I asked for more veg when the meal arrived. More heated but uncooked broccoli arrived as I finished eating. I asked if the cheese & biscuits was substantial but the waitress seemed doubtful. My partner dragged me away and we ate elsewhere.The world is mad. we pay more for less. If there was bread with the starter it would help. If there was a tureen of veg it would help. Why can these chefs not realize guests have different appetites and offer selection to satisfy us all at these prices. I do not eat during the day as I can not work physically on a full stomach. The staff did not know how to cope with the situation. Why do most of us eat? Primary because we are hungry, taste is the 4 star bonus, a fact lost on most designer chefs these days.

Stayed for lunch mid week. Lovely friendly welcome from staff. Good menu. Food arrived promptly and was delicious. Great place for lunch in a lovely location.

We visit the spa often and tend to avoid the bistro in recent years as the food and atmosphere has deteriorated.We call in maybe twice a year to see if the food has improved, but every time the quality is down but the price is up.The £14.50 fish and chips was last nights example. The fish was still translucent and not white and flakey. The waiter replaced it promptly and the second was better but still a disappointment and still £14.50. Having spoken to spa members there seems to be a consensus that the bistro is to be avoided.

Varied menu. Serves good food at good value. Service good staff friendly and helpful. Modern, clean restaurant.

Eating here was part of our package break at Armathwaite. At first we were a little disappointed that we wouldn't be eating in the Hotel's main restaurant. But after studying both menus, the Courtyard looked more interesting for me as a vegetarian. Both of us (one a meat-eater and one a veggie) had one of the best meals we've had in a while. The menu was imaginative, the food was beautifully presented And all three courses were delicious.Friendly and efficient staff looked after us well. Definitely on our list of restaurants to revisit.

We were staying in our motorhome at Herdwick Croft, we wandered up to the Armsthwaite hotel for a meal in the brasserie. The meal wasn't the cheapest we have had, over £100 which in a brassiere/bar is quite expensive, however it was excellent.

6 of us went here for my brother in laws 65th birthday expecting 2 courses for £18 instead we got the main menu which was a tad pricy.However most enjoyed their meals of belly pork ,wood pidgeon etc and even got tempted by the deserts.Cost approximately £150

A must place to visit for a quality meal in excellent surroundings , friendly staff ~ welcome all the way ,choice of meals is very good ,all nicely presented , makes you think ~ should I spoil this by eating it !? Lovely friendly atmosphere , a place you are reluctant to leave

Had a fabulous anniversary meal here the food was outstanding and the service was fantastic. It was a warm night and we asked our waitress if we could possibly eat outside on the terrace. No bother to them they moved everything they need to and settled us onto an outside table and served us from there we felt like we had the place to ourselves it was magical.well,done to chef bar staff and waiting staff can't wait to return.

We had fish and chips which were v well presented and cooked. Great mushy peas - SO much better than most places! Good service.

Excellent quality old style cooking. Food like granny used to make with a French touch. I had the ox cheek with blue cheese and my partner the telousse cassoulet both packed with flavour and excellent portion sizes. Strongly recommend this hidden gem,set with in Armathwaite hall