Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant

We heard about Farlam Hall after hearing about Hrishi Desai's new venture. We already knew his food was beyond amazing so we decided to celebrate our Anniversary there. The new Bistro Enkel is delicious and because we stayed on a Tues and Wednesday, it meant we could experience Enkel and The Cedar Tree. We found the rooms too hot, even with the windows open. With no air con, a fan should be in every room. We had room 6, which has a fabulous view of the actual Cedar Tree in the grounds of Farlem. We felt very welcome, the staff are wonderful and we were very well looked after. The receptionist recommended some lovely walks, to see Hadrian's Wall and Talkin Tarn. Fabulous bathroom. No long mirror. We seemed to be the youngest there, despite being in our 50's, and we found that wanting to enjoy a cocktail after our evening meal meant we were the only ones in the lounge, which then lacked atmosphere and the background noise of chitter chatter. We were not pressured in any way to leave or feel awkward. They welcomed us to having a nightcap but everyone else had gone to bed. All in all, it was a wonder experience. Very calm, very chilled, beautiful gardens. It was also lovely that we had a good chat with one of the gardeners...thank you! Comfy beds, great pillows. Beautiful hotel - thebuilding and grounds.

The best feeling when you away from home (I live in Los Angeles) is to find a place where you feel right at home. And I certainly did at Farlam Hall. The people - Kirsty, Katy, George, Alex, Denise, and Sharon - were wonderful. The service was excellent. Sunday lunch was a real treat. My room was bright and cheerful and up to date and I could see sheep on the hills in the distance. The grounds were magnificent. After a day of excavating at the ancient Roman fort at Vindolanda, it was a pleasure to come home too! Thanks so much and I'm looking forward to returning again next year.

We were very excited to stay at Farm Hall. We have been great fans of Hrishikesh Desai since he was Head Chef at Gilpin. We loved his food so were thrilled to hear that he had opened his pwn hotel and restaurant and keen to give it a try. I have reviewed the restaurant separately. The hotel is well located for Hadrian's Wall and is extremely close to RSPB Geltsdale for any enthusiastic twitchers. It is not so convenient for the central fells but we arrived from Ennerdale and it didn't take that long to get there despite the Sat Nav taking us through the centre of Carlisle at rush hour. THe hotel itself is small and intimate though perhaps a bit on the formal side, lacking the home from nome feel of the public rooms in Gilpin. There was a loud clock in the lounge area which was, in itself, rather fine but the ticking was well out of phase with the piped background music which was a bit jarring. But to be honest this is about the only criticisms I have of the place. It is expensive but not extravagant, smart but not stiff, friendly but not over familiar. Breakfast was excellent. Cocktails in the bar very good. I can see myself going back there although it is not ideally situated.

Stayed in Brookside Cottage. Old building totally modernised. All mod cons equipped kitchen, everything you need down to kitchen foil, washing liquid, dishwasher, washing machine, hobs, conventional ovens and microwaves. Super comfortable beds. Wood burning stove, logs provided.Babbling brook outside, outside seating areas. Lovely. Tasting menu was awesome. Fab. Good times.

As one would expect from a chef of this pedigree really excellent and worthy of its new star and all the efforts being made by the team I would only eat if I was staying over and do think they could offer a better deal for mid week diners in the rooms

Our stay at Farlam was faultless from start to finish. We only stayed for one night but will certainly return for longer. The team members are all very friendly and welcoming, and also extremely good at what they do. We noticed at dinner how well the younger staff members were being trained and given guidance by the more experienced staff - that was great to see. The food was superb, one of the best meals we have had in recent times, and great pre-dinner cocktails in the bar. The room was lovely - spotlessly clean and a very pleasant place to spend time looking out over the gardens, and completely silent at night.

Had a wonder 3 night stay at Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, the hotel and grounds are gorgeous, staff very friendly, helpful and attentive. The food was beautifully cooked, presented and tasted wonderful. Our room #5 was excellent, very comfy bed with wonderful views over the front and side gardens and the special cedar tree. Highly recommend as the location is also ideal for local sightseeing and getting to the Lakes or into the Border regions.

Absolutely delighted with our stay. We have always been a fan of Hrishkesh Desai when he was at the Gilpin. Seeking him out we have not been disappointed on so many levels. The menu was a triumph. A sensory experience full of flavour. Each dish a culinary work of art. The bar has a fantastic selection of interesting cocktails and well balanced wine list, all expertly managed by Alex. The service is impeccable and everyone we interacted with was friendly and attentive. We have already booked our next visit Thank you Team Farlam Hall