Windermere's Langdale Chase hotel to reopen following refurbishment with new GM and executive chef

The Grade II-listed Langdale Chase hotel in Windermere is to reopen in November following an extensive refurbishment.

The 30-bedroom property, which was acquired by pub and hotel firm Daniel Thwaites in 2017, will see general manager Mike Vincent return to lead the hotel for the reopening, having previously held the position between 2017 and 2019, with executive chef Michael Cole joining the team to head up the two-AA-rosette restaurant.

Vincent most recently worked at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, where he achieved an AA Silver Star Award in 2021, retaining it in 2022.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to rejoining the Langdale family and helping to provide the warm, authentic, hospitality that Daniel Thwaites prides itself on. The new refurbishment will undoubtably catapult this landmark hotel into the top tier of Lake District destinations. I have no doubt that the relaunch of Langdale Chase will be a huge success and I’m excited to be part of the passionate team here once again.”

Cole, who has created a menu centred around classic British cuisine, inspired by the Lake District and the surrounding coastline, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be heading up Langdale Chase’s restaurant and putting my stamp on the relaunch of this incredible hotel.

“I am lucky to have access to the top-quality fish, wild produce and the seasonal ingredients the Cumbrian coastline and surrounding farms have to offer, which has enabled me to create an unforgettable menu that prompts guests to remember their meal long after they have left.”

Cole has developed dishes such as a signature beef wellington using dexter beef fillet from the nearby Old Stoddah Farm as well as lounge menu featuring the likes of New England lobster roll and a Langdale chowder as well as a Swallows and Amazons afternoon tea that celebrates the connection between Langdale Chase Hotel and Arthur Ransome's children's book.

The refurbishments undertaken at the hotel are the most extensive in its 80 year history and have been inspired by the 1920s and 1930s.

Interiors are by Jane Goff, director of Goff Associates and seek to “elevate the property through modern materials, crafting a contemporary space that blends seamlessly into the Victorian villa’s lakeside surroundings, bringing the outside in with natural tones and a calming design vision”.

Each room (there are 21 in the main house, eight in the Lakehouse and a private Boathouse suite) has been individually designed, paying homage to the hotel’s lakeside location.

Richard Bailey, executive chairman of Daniel Thwaites, said: “Langdale Chase is a magical place. It’s a privilege to be part of the team that will wow guests with its new look and feel. I have absolute confidence that reinventing it will take people by storm, that we are creating something truly special. With contemporary British design matched to an impressive new gourmet menu in our award-winning restaurant, we want to build a new generation of loyal supporters for the hotel who feel intrinsically as much a part of the Langdale Chase family as we do.”