'One of the finest dining experiences I've had' was enjoyed by our inspector at this restaurant with rooms in a touristy village on the River Eamont, at the head of Ullswater. The former smithy, then post office, was run as a B&B for eight years by Mark and Anne Vause before a rebrand in 2016 with talented young chef Phil Corrie, now an enthusiastic partner in the business. The greeting is warm and check-in fast and efficient; our inspector was pleasantly surprised to find complimentary prosecco in the bright, colourful room, with striped and patterned cushions and Designers Guild floral wallpaper. Extras include locally produced coffee bags, gingerbread and toiletries; local artwork adorns the walls. Modern bathrooms have rainfall showers; two rooms also have a bath. At dinner, 'each course was exquisitely presented', including 'perfectly cooked turbot with its pretty decoration of edible flowers'. The 'flavour sensation' continued with lemon verbena: 'one of the best desserts I have eaten'. 'The staff were attentive and friendly and knew their menu well.' Overall, the experience was 'hard to beat – we left with a definite promise to return'.