On our first day in Bowness, someone on the foot ferry, on the way over recommended that we look up Sail ‘n’ Dine. On our way back to Hawkeshead, waiting for us was a leaflet.

For somebody to take that much effort to recommend something, we thought that we ought to try.

So we called John – we had a problem because the foot ferry’s last service was at 5.30pm and wouldn’t be able to get back. Straight away, John made it easy for us by offering to drive us home after. There then followed a couple of days of working round the weather and other bookings – we felt like we already knew John by the time we met him on the jetty.

And so onto the boat, and out onto the Lake. We were accompanied by another couple who we had never met before – Graham and Elaine.

Dave and Graham both took turns in sailing the boat  -  Elaine and I were quite happy relaxing and taking in Windermere . We sailed into the wind, tacked and generally had a lovely time out on the water.

The weather was about to turn, and rather than take any risks, John took us back to port where we went below deck for dinner – as much as it was lovely sailing, it was a little windy and getting chilly , so this was most welcome! John ‘battened down the hatches’, turned on the heating and it was toasty.

It’s very cosy down there, and comfortable. The wine was poured (over and over) and conversation began – and between the 4 of us, plus John, there were no awkward silences and we had a really lovely time – football was the hot topic of conversation ( Graham for Everton and Dave for Chelsea )  but also holidays ( camping in particular) and rubber gloves and magic oven liners from Lakeland ! J

The menu is very clever – it has something for everyone on there – all good quality produce, cooked really well and presented beautifully. Starter, Main Course, Dessert (the chocolate mousse is to die for) and a fantastic local cheese board with port and coffee to finish. The experience was like having a wonderful meal round at a friends’ house. As I said at the end of the meal to Elaine – ‘you wouldn’t have kicked your shoes off and have your legs curled up on the sofa at the end of a meal in a restaurant!’

Sadly, it was then time to go home. Into John’s 4 wheel drive which whizzes round the windy roads of Windermere and Ambleside with ease.

I would recommend this experience to anyone – it is something very different, but also very very enjoyable.

 

Dear John
 
Thank you so much for making my 40th birthday such a special night.  It was a lovely evening with good company, fine food and wine with fantastic views of the lake - what more can we say.
 
John you were a wonderful host, Captain and Chef (and driver too!) - thank you for your hospitality - we will definately see you again and have already recommended you highly and will continue to do so.
 
With very best wishes
 
Kathryn and Mike