Farlam Hall, UK, hotel review – UK Times

This elegant Cumbrian country house boasts exquisite Michelin-starred dining and is perfect for rest, relaxation and indulgence

Location

Situated in the north-east corner of Cumbria close to Hadrian’s Wall, and less than 20 miles from the Scottish border, Farlam Hall feels delightfully rural, despite being just 10 minutes away from the M6. Carlisle railway station is 12 miles away from the hotel and is served by regular direct trains to London and Scotland.

Surrounded by rolling hills, sheep and mature gardens, it’s a bucolic retreat. There are plenty of opportunities for activities nearby including walking and hiking, cycling, stargazing, golf, fishing and more.

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The vibe

A classic country house for grown-ups with an impressive history that dates as far back as 1428. Elegant and refined, the airy house is filled with vases of fragrant lilies, delightful framed photographs of former residents and their pets, select pieces of contemporary art and, remarkably, a 19th-century clock made by Robert Stephenson, whose famous Rocket locomotive once sat in the garden at Farlam Hall.

Large sash windows look out over the mature gardens and lake, as well as the showpiece cedar tree that adorns Farlam Hall’s brand assets and is over 150 years old.

Service

Professional and unassuming, staff here adhere to a decorous approach to hospitality that doesn’t scrimp on warmth or knowledge about the property, the area or the activities on offer in the locality.

Bed and bath

Farlam Hall is home to 12 bedrooms in the main building, plus six luxury Stable Suites. The colour palette mirrors the public areas: dove grey, creams and whites, while soft furnishings feature similarly muted tones, with the occasional pop of colour.

Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites all have bathtubs, along with some Superior Rooms (guests can request a room with a tub when booking). All rooms feature local art on the walls – think unobtrusive and tasteful abstract landscapes. They enjoy garden views and have Molton Brown skin products, bathrobes, slippers, flat screen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Stable Suites include private outdoor seating areas overlooking the walled garden or views of the countryside, while some come with fully-equipped kitchen and dining areas, and clawfoot bathtubs. Mine had a TV above the bath and underfloor-heating.

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Food and drink

Farlam Hall’s food and drink offering is undoubtedly the major draw for most visitors. Chef and patron Hrikshikesh Desai scooped a Michelin star less than a year after his arrival at Farlam, an accolade he and the team have retained for four years.

Needless to say, The Cedar Tree is a revelation, with dishes made with ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden and elevated by a touch of Indian spice. Two tasting menus are on offer, in addition to a three-course lunch, which all promise and deliver on “delightful simplicity with oodles of class”. Each dish I sampled was impeccable, flavourful and utterly original, starting with “olives, our way” – a surprise I won’t ruin for other diners, but which I won’t forget in a hurry.

The whipped chilli butter tastes even better than it looks (no small thing – it’s an absolute picture) while the calamansi sorbet is the ultimate palate cleanser.

Elsewhere, Bistro Enkel, a slightly more informal experience, is open from Sunday to Tuesday, with the same attention to detail and mouth-watering dishes.

The kitchen is happy to cater to guests who cannot tolerate any of the 14 main allergens, though they warn that they are unable to adapt dishes to cater for any dietary restrictions that compromise their vision and the style of the menu. For example: onions, garlic, ginger, ground and whole spices.

Facilities

At the Sycamore Retreat spa, guests can wind down in a wood-panelled room with a tea prior to one of several treatments on offer, including relaxing and invigorating massages and facials using GAIA skincare.

Guests can borrow yoga mats to use either in their room or in the grounds.

There are also three lounges in which to relax with a book or a drink, two of which have open fires and coffee-table books to browse.

If the weather’s fine, spot birds in the gardens and pond or sit on the terrace; I was delighted to hear an owl hooting during my stay.

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Accessibility

Farlam Hall has a detailed accessibility statement available on its website here. Room 14 has step-free access. Showers are level entry and anti-slip bath mats and shower seats are available. Brookside House (one of the Stable Suites) is a bungalow cottage set across one floor. Showers have level entry, storage and some wardrobes are at a low level, and the bathrooms have automatic floor lighting that is activated by movement.

Pet policy

Two rooms – the Garden House and one of the Superior rooms – allow dogs, which a charge of £30 per dog, per stay. Dogs not permitted in the restaurant or public lounges.

Check-in/check-out

Check-in at 3pm, check-out before 11am.

Family-friendly?

Travel cots are available on request at the time of booking. Children aged nine and above are welcome in The Cedar Tree restaurant. Children of any age can dine in Bistro Enkel, although there is no dedicated children’s menu.

At a glance

Best thing: The Cedar Tree restaurant – an unforgettable dining experience.

Perfect for: Food aficionados.

Not right for: Families with young children.

Instagram from: Your dining table (discreetly) – this food is designed for the grid.

Joanna was a guest of Farlam Hall.

Address: Hallbankgate, Brampton CA8 2NG

Phone: 01697 746 234

Website: farlamhall.com

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