You know that feeling when you go somewhere for the first time and it’s so good you are annoyed you didn’t know about it sooner. You start thinking about all the times you’ve invited people to visit, needed somewhere for them to stay and ended up putting them up in some weird and wonderful bed and breakfast or Air BnB because you just couldn’t think of the perfect spot. Well no more.
The Lake Isles has 10 gorgeous individually decorated boutique bedrooms, number 7 is our favourite with a suite like feel and sprawling views over the exquisite Leicestershire countryside. All mod cons in a spacious, luxurious home away from home.
You can book dinner (without wine) breakfast and the room for the night for two for £270 which considering the quality of the food is an absolute steal. In London a room of this quality and space would cost you £500 - £600 at least without the fabulous dining.
The lake isles isn’t flashy or super impressive from the outside. When we discovered it we entered with a little trepidation. It was a wild and wet day and the outside tables and chairs looked a little wind swept and barren.
However everything changed when we stepped in side and were greeted by Robert the manager.
Our waiter, a local, happy to chat about the area made the lunch. Not literally the chef made the lunch obviously, three courses of beautiful food adapted for one vegetarian. The menu is mainly meat and fish but definitely gourmet with a focus of locally sourced ingredients.
The heritage tomato salad starter was possibly one of the nicest starters I’ve ever tasted.
The lunch and a snoop around meant coming back for a night, a special occasion was definitely on the cards.
If you are in Uppingham there’s a restaurant I go to a lot No. 23 but if you are looking for something more gourmet, fine dining then it’s the Lake Isles I’d recommend and staying over is as lovely as anywhere I’ve stayed in the country boutique category.
It’s intimate yet very stylish and the staff could not have been more accommodating.
Wonderful spot and Uppingham is a super old town with an array of art galleries, antiques shops and independent cafes and home interiors shops to browse and shop, gorgeous stone architecture too.