Ricky Acharjee
Monday, July 22, 2024
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Langdale Chase is excited to introduce its Swallows and Amazons-inspired Afternoon Tea, marking 50 years since this beloved story first appeared on our screens. The cast and crew of Arthur Ransome’s cherished novel were guests of the hotel during the 1974 filming, making this a perfect time to honor the enchanting tale that has inspired generations to visit The Lakes. The afternoon tea will be served on locally crafted and hand-painted crockery, and it will be available in the charming dining room, various lounges, and on the hotel’s lakeside terrace, weather permitting.
New this summer, guests can indulge in a themed afternoon tea that brings the enchanting world of “Swallows and Amazons” to life. This unique experience will take place in Langdale Chase’s beautifully decorated dining room, offering a picturesque view of Lake Windermere. Available to both hotel guests and visitors, the setting is so enchanting that if you close your eyes and let your imagination take control, you could feel like a member of the crew on board The Swallow.
The Afternoon Tea menu is a delightful tribute to the culinary adventures of the novel’s young protagonists and its author. Sandwiches include Smoked Salmon with Beetroot and Cream Cheese, honoring Arthur Ransome’s love of smoked fish, and Pemican Beef with Horseradish and Red Onion, a nod to the corned beef the young adventurers frequently enjoyed.
Potted shrimps with crumpets and savory cheddar donuts will tantalize your taste buds, while sweet fancies pay homage to whimsical tales. A chocolate and marmalade fancy evokes the chocolate eclairs at the Pirate’s Party and the children’s cherished marmalade sandwiches. Gooseberry choux reflects the berries picked during the children’s adventures, and Titty’s bun loaf is a must-try. The menu will change seasonally, ensuring fresh flavors year-round.
Dining Options
The Terrace and the AA Rosette Dining Room at Langdale Chase are available for booking daily by both hotel guests and non-residents. The Terrace offers lunch every day, while the Dining Room provides an à-la-carte dinner and a special Sunday lunch.
A Rich Literary Legacy
Langdale Chase is proud of its connection to Arthur Ransome’s work. The hotel hosted Dame Virginia McKenna, the lead actress of the film adaptation, and was the venue for the cast and crew’s wrap party in 1974. This historical tie adds a genuine charm to the themed afternoon tea, making it a must-visit for fans of the novel and classic British literature.
Ransome himself is believed to have been a frequent visitor to the hotel during his time in the Lake District. The lakeside views and formal gardens of Langdale Chase may have served as inspiration for his book.
The Cumbrian Makers
In support of local businesses, the afternoon tea will be served on beautiful tableware designed by local artisans, including hand-thrown pottery and woodwork by local craftsmen.
Fiona May Ceramics – Crafted by Cumbrian potter Fiona May, these bowls and plates are created in a small kiln in her garage, where pottery dries alongside kayaks and mountain bikes. Her work draws inspiration from the surrounding fells and nearby lakes, with intricate decorations that nod to “Swallows and Amazons.”
Croglin – Delights will be presented on stunning handcrafted and hand-illustrated wooden display boards.
Miles Moore – Adding depth to the table is the artistry of Martin Miles-Moore. With over a decade of experience working with clay, Martin is inspired by the lakes and incorporates the Earth beneath us into his creations. He introduces discarded materials and minerals from Lakeland quarries into the clay, providing a unique finish and a clear connection to the landscape.
Lauren Frost – Adding the finishing touches, Lauren Frost brings the layers of the Lakeland landscape to life in her pottery. Her beautiful pieces, featuring lines of earth, water, and sky, resemble islands as they hold jam, cream, and more.
Langdale Chase reopened in November 2023 after an extensive 12-month restoration, offering interiors that transport guests back to the 1920s and 1930s heyday of the Lake District. This stunning 30-room Grade II listed property features seven spacious suites with cosy reading nooks overlooking the lake, five dog-friendly rooms, an AA Rosette restaurant, an art deco-style bar, a cinema room, and boundless outdoor activities.
Langdale Chase’s mission is simple: to offer superb hospitality in a setting that poet William Wordsworth described as “The loveliest place that man hath ever found.”
