Welcome to Forest Side A magical retreat surrounded by the stunning countryside of Wordsworth's beloved Grasmere. Paul's passion for extracting flavours from fresh and seasonal ingredients resonates throughout his food. The Forest Side newsletter brings you the latest information about special offers, news, events, products and services from the Forest Side.
We'll only send out the newsletter once every 6-8 weeks and you can stop receiving our updates at any time by unsubscribing. We will treat your data with respect, see our privacy notice for more information on how we take care of that data. FRESH PRODUCE FROM THE LAKE DISTRICT If you are as passionate as us about food and provenance, then the Forest Side is for you.
We'll only send out the newsletter once every 6-8 weeks and you can stop receiving our updates at any time by unsubscribing. We will treat your data with respect, see our privacy notice for more information on how we take care of that data. FRESH PRODUCE FROM THE LAKE DISTRICT If you are as passionate as us about food and provenance, then the Forest Side is for you.
Services
Sheltering beneath steeply sloping woodland, Forest Side is an imposing building of Lakeland stone on the road from Grasmere to Keswick. Very much of its time - a plaque on the side of the building gives its date as 1853 - the building we see today clearly has its origins in the spate of gentleman's residences built after the railway reached as far as Windermere in 1847.
Built in typical Lake District slate and stone this Victorian mansion had been a splendid place in its time. Although the building was dilapidated and the garden wild and overgrown, it was clearly full of potential.
Our aim was to give our guests the chance of experiencing the luxurious life-style enjoyed by its Victorian owners but with the benefits of twenty-first century comforts such as pressurised hot water, central heating and of course more than just a little interior design.Clearly the kitchen with its old quarry-tiled floors had to be refitted and equipped with all the modern gadgets needed to produce top level food.
Our aim was to give our guests the chance of experiencing the luxurious life-style enjoyed by its Victorian owners but with the benefits of twenty-first century comforts such as pressurised hot water, central heating and of course more than just a little interior design.Clearly the kitchen with its old quarry-tiled floors had to be refitted and equipped with all the modern gadgets needed to produce top level food.
Set in the stunningly beautiful Lake District landscape of Wordsworth's Grasmere Vale, this elegant house charmed visitors for over a century before neglect took its toll. But, fortunately, like sleeping beauty, Forest Side has been reawakened. Enchanting gardens have been lovingly recreated, whilst our fabulous rooms are fir for any aspiring Prince or Princess.
The Forest Side's restaurant is designed to be a reflection of the very landscape in which it sits. To help achieve this, we select only the freshest locally sourced seasonal produce, which is then paired with an exclusive wine list featuring small organic and bio-dynamic wine producers.
Our food ethos is also firmly rooted in the landscape of the lakes, inspired by our belief in utilising the best seasonal local produce, our dishes reflect the provenance of the ingredients used and we want to share this with you - we ask you to journey with us through this rich place and feast through what you see, smell and taste.Designed to connect the diner with their surroundings.
Our food ethos is also firmly rooted in the landscape of the lakes, inspired by our belief in utilising the best seasonal local produce, our dishes reflect the provenance of the ingredients used and we want to share this with you - we ask you to journey with us through this rich place and feast through what you see, smell and taste.Designed to connect the diner with their surroundings.
Experience Paul Leonard's dishes for yourself, choose from either his 4 course or 8 course menus. The artful combination of interesting and unusual flavours stemming from his love of the countryside and the fabulous ingredients with which we are blessed in Cumbria will provide you with an unrivalled experience to excite and tantalise your taste buds and senses.
Reviews (10)
Riding With Strides
Dec 04, 2021
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Eric Berthoud
Dec 03, 2021
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A great few nights stay at the Forest Side. The food is superb, breakfast also lovely. The staff are all very friendly. Allowed me to charge the electric car there too which was a nice touch. Situated very close to Grasmere. Room had high ceilings and had character. Bathroom spacious and modern. Mattress slightly too soft for my taste.
Robert Lees
Dec 02, 2021
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Amazing, go here, you won't be disappointed. We ended our honeymoon here and everything was spot-on. Staff were attentive, helpful, friendly. The master room was spacious and well decorated, the bathroom walls were getting a little tired, but it was still fantastic. The food was spot-on, we had the 8-course menu twice and had the wine flight the second time. The second night the menu had changed considerably, maybe only 2-3 courses were exactly the same. The only thing we could comment on is that the waiters could speak a little louder to account for their masks. The breakfast was also great, really
Gary Moss
Nov 23, 2021
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How this place is only rated 4.7 is beyond me.We are staying in the Master Suite and had the 8 course taster menu last night.If you include the snacks and homemade bread its like having 12 course really.My wife and I were extremely pleased with our experience at Forest Side and we havnt even had the breakfast yet .The breakfast I already know will be equal or better than any I've had before as last night's food was an experience you really should treat yourself too at some point.The Chef is a genius to put it accurately, the lamb belly snack was so nice .The sea bass was as fresh as you could Finld
Colin Davies
Oct 23, 2021
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We have visited The Forest Side 3 times now. Each time it has been genuinely outstanding.
So good in fact we decided to host our Wedding reception there and we could not have been more pleased with the way the whole team looked after us in the run up to and after the day itself.
Paul and his team produced unbelievably high quality food which blew our guest away. The wine pairings were unique and delicious in equal measure and the highlight of the whole experience was the warm professionalism of the reception and waiting team.
I cannot recommend treating yourself to an experience at the Forest
So good in fact we decided to host our Wedding reception there and we could not have been more pleased with the way the whole team looked after us in the run up to and after the day itself.
Paul and his team produced unbelievably high quality food which blew our guest away. The wine pairings were unique and delicious in equal measure and the highlight of the whole experience was the warm professionalism of the reception and waiting team.
I cannot recommend treating yourself to an experience at the Forest
Colin Smith
Oct 21, 2021
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Loved our time at Forest Side. Beautiful and comfortable surroundings. Perfectly located for all you would want to do in the Lakes.
Fabulous food - we had the 8 course tasting menu plus wine pairings. Friendly, attentive and well informed staff, all of whom made us feel welcome and at home during our four night stay.
Just perfect!
Fabulous food - we had the 8 course tasting menu plus wine pairings. Friendly, attentive and well informed staff, all of whom made us feel welcome and at home during our four night stay.
Just perfect!
Chris Forster
Oct 03, 2021
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I can not recommend this hotel highly enough. I had to change the date of my initial booking 3 times as my wife is poorly. No problem for them at all. When we arrived, the lovely Jessica came out in the pouring rain to assist me and my wife and take us directly to our accessible room. The service we received was second to none. The hotel itself is in a great location and the breakfast is outstanding. Great selection of drinks in the bar and the rooms are spacious and very comfortable.
Can’t wait to return and sample the Michelin food. Thanks again.
Can’t wait to return and sample the Michelin food. Thanks again.
Debra Skinner
Aug 30, 2021
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Zed Wolf
Aug 17, 2021
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Anna G.
Jul 28, 2021
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Gorgeous country house and garden in a superb quiet location near Grasmere. A great mix of traditional and modern high-class rustic decor. We loved the breakfasts, the wine, the comfy beds and wonderful bathrooms. We stayed in a number of places during our trip but our 3 nights at Forest Side were the best. Would highly recommend. We would love to return.
