Evaluate: The Yan at Broadrayne, Grasmere, Lake District, UK

As a baby on vacation within the Lake District, I bear in mind studying to rely to 10 within the outdated Cumbrian dialect—the identical rhythmic numbers that shepherds have used for generations to tally their flock. “Yan, tan, tethera” is “one, two, three” within the conventional sheep counting system, making “The Yan” a becoming title for a spot that aspires to be “The One”. However does The Yan at Broadrayne, a heat and classy retreat on the sting of Grasmere, stay as much as its title? Learn on to search out out.

The welcome

Forward of our arrival, we had been emailed a personalised door code, for the length of our keep. This allowed us unbiased entry into the resident’s lounge by a small porch, and to our room past. As issues turned out, on arrival, we had been warmly welcomed by Lauren, who guided us by the method and confirmed us to our room. The check-in felt way more relaxed than a conventional lodge, immediately setting a relaxed and cozy tone that outlined the remainder of our keep.

The room

We stayed in Room 3 — The Lion and Lamb — labeled as a Deluxe Superking room and named after the distinctive rock formations atop Helm Crag, seen from our window.

Every room at The Yan carries a reputation impressed by the native fells, from Dunmail to Fairfield, and the décor blends consolation with understated luxurious — plush bedding, a deep and restful color palette, and considerate touches that make it really feel like a real retreat after a day’s exploring.

The toilet

Compact but well-appointed, the toilet featured a glossy bathe, basin, WC and heated towel rail, all sparklingly clear.

Pure Lakes toiletries, with their recent, pure scents, are provided. The geranium and ylang-ylang shampoo is a deal with, whereas the grapefruit and lemongrass bathe gel, hand wash, and hand and physique lotion present an uplifting zest forward of a day on the fells.

The services

Past the rooms, The Yan provides a residents’ lounge, a peaceable house with books, video games and studying materials — good for a post-walk wind-down.

However the true star of the present is The Bistro – a a number of time winner of the Informal Eating Venue of the 12 months award on the Cumbria Meals Awards, and has been featured — greater than as soon as — within the Good Meals Information’s 100 Greatest Native Eating places.

Throughout our keep, we indulged in an array of fantastically crafted dishes, from the Mini Yan naan, topped with butter curry sauce and Grasmere Herdwick lamb Seekh kebab, to the Tacky Bean Tart, the place puff pastry embraced The Yan’s personal baked beans, gruyère, mature cheddar, truffle ketchup, and pickled shemeji mushrooms.

For mains, the Jamaic-Yan delivers a daring and flavourful Jamaican curry with cauliflower, peas, purple peppers, and crayfish, all topped with jerk-seasoned coley and a spoonful of lime and coriander crème fraîche.

Then, in fact, there may be their now-famous Shepherd’s Pie, that includes slow-braised Grasmere Herdwick lamb, tacky mash, cured ham, and parsley backyard peas.

The Brit-Yan (serves two) can also be a deal with: braised native beef feather steak with truffle and cheddar mash, served alongside creamy cauliflower cheese.

And, to complete, there’s every part from the traditional Lakeland dessert of Sticky Toffee Pudding to the equally indulgent Tirami-Choux, a choux bun full of Marsala mascarpone cream and Carvetti espresso gelato, completed with a wealthy chocolate sauce.

For these in search of different lodging, additionally on web site are Broadrayne Cottages and Grasmere Glamping.

The situation

Should you’re in search of a central Lake District base, you’d be hard-pressed to search out higher. Grasmere is dwelling to the world-famous Grasmere gingerbread, in fact, and William Wordsworth himself described the village as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever discovered‘.

Throughout our keep, we took a stroll round White Moss, however choices abound: from Wainwright climbs to gentler rambles with breathtaking views.

And for these trying to discover additional, Keswick is only a 20-minute drive away, the place you’ll discover historic gems like Castlerigg Stone Circle and lakeside favourites comparable to Friar’s Crag.

Different good touches

The Yan goes above and past with considerate little luxuries. In our room, a kettle and an ample provide of tea and occasional awaited us, alongside sticky toffee bites and a flask of recent water.

A custom-made Ordnance Survey map, with The Yan at its centre, got here full with a compass, good for intrepid days out.

Canine house owners can even recognize the additional care taken for four-legged company, with a provide of biscuits and a water bowl and mat offered. Canine are even welcome within the bistro, guaranteeing they don’t miss out on the enjoyable. And for these planning a protracted day within the fells, packed lunches might be ordered upfront.

The price

For a keep in a Deluxe Superking room such because the one we stayed in, out-of-season charges begin from roughly £300 per night time (Lodge, Dinner, Mattress & Breakfast) out of season, or £450 for 2 nights.

The most effective bit

Sure, the setting is gorgeous. And sure, the meals is great. However what actually units The Yan aside is its relaxed, unstuffy ambiance. It strikes the proper stability between high-end consolation and laid-back attraction—luxurious however by no means pretentious, heat however by no means intrusive. It’s a spot the place you may return from a protracted hike, kick off your boots, take pleasure in a pint and really feel instantly at dwelling.

The ultimate verdict

The Yan at Broadrayne is a masterclass in boutique hospitality — a family-run haven that seamlessly blends the normal heritage of a sixteenth century Lakeland barn with up to date comforts. Whether or not you’re right here for the hills, the meals, or simply some restorative peace and quiet, The Yan delivers in each means. Should you’re in search of a spot that celebrates the spirit of the Lake District with easy attraction, you want look no additional.

Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by The Yan at Broadrayne.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Greatest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.