WHEN you think of Cumbria, relaxation is often not the first thing that springs to mind.
However, an intimate PoB Hotel located just outside of Carlisle may be about to challenge that idea. Housing just 18 bedrooms, Farlam Hall is a cosy traditional country house surrounded by fields of untouched English countryside and woodlands to explore.
Farlam Hall
Consisting of 12 guest rooms and six stable suites, Farlam Hall embraces a traditional yet contemporary interior design approach. Plush furnishing in an array of muted pastels meet modern tall ceilings, elegant window seats, and sweeping vistas of the countryside.
Farlam Hall
Located notably close to the Scottish border, the hotel boasts an impressive six acres of land and is far enough away from any major city to ensure an escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan lifestyle. Bleating sheep replace the perpetual sound of cars and sirens, whereas crystal clear views of the Orion nebula and the Northern lights make for a lovely swap from the dense city smog.
But don’t be fooled – the local landscape still offers ample entertainment options. From traversing Hadrian’s Wall to exploring Lanercost Priory, hiking around the various nearby tarns and moorland, or enjoying a local pint at the Twice Brewed Inn, Cumbria has much to enjoy.
Additionally, much of the hotel’s surrounding space is used to produce ingredients for Farlam Hall’s culinary team. For example, bee hives provide silky smooth honey and part of the garden is used to grow fresh fruits and legumes. With such an emphasis on local, fresh ingredients, the hotel’s cuisine is certainly a major attraction.
Farlam Hall
The Cedar Tree Restaurant’s rose sorbet
The Cedar Tree Restaurant is a Michelin-starred and 3 AA Rosette-awarded fine dining destination. Helmed by Chef patron Hrishikesh Desai, the menu offers unique gastronomic ensembles, spotlighting seasonal, organic produce.
For guests looking for a more personalised experience, HRISHI’s Table is an ideal offering. Launched in 2024, HRISHI’s Table is a dining experience which intertwines Indian culinary techniques with French savoir-faire and molecular gastronomy. The experience takes guests through a 14-course tasting menu, which will evolve with the seasons to ensure that only the freshest ingredients are used. Hosted by Hrishikesh and Head Chef, Benhur Gaikwad, guests can enjoy each course whilst observing the kitchen’s happenings in a relaxed, intimate environment.
HRISHI Table
Designed for a maximum of 10 guests, HRISHI’s Table is an undeniably exclusive experience, which starts with a Champagne and canape reception. During my visit, the evening began with an assortment of decadent snacks – think white chocolate-infused olives, foamed guacamole and mackerel tartar, elevated New Delhi street food classics, and a South Indian Appam, all accompanied by a glass of Taittinger, Prelude Grands Crus.
After the initial tasters, the menu opened to a bread course, which featured four types of bread and three types of butter. As delicious as the bread is, it is quite carb-heavy, so it’s worth pacing yourself here so you can enjoy the rest of what the tasting menu has to offer.
HRISHI Table
We then enjoyed a delicate white asparagus ensemble, a cauliflower steak, Cornish cod, and cornfed chicken. In particular, the cornfed chicken was a stand-out offering. Infused with warm spices, white garlic, black truffle, and smoked pancetta, the dish was tender and full of flavour. After enjoying the savoury courses, we then had a preserved garden strawberry dessert, which featured a yoghurt-based foam, and a final course of petit fours.
Alternatively, for those looking for a more laid-back dining option, Farlam Hall’s Bistro Enkel is an excellent choice. Taken from the old Nordic word, Enkel means “simple”, therefore it comes as no surprise that Bistro Enkel offers flavourful yet classic, uncomplicated dishes.
Ideal for a relaxed weekend get-away or for those hoping to wine & dine in luxury, Farlam Hall is set to become a Cumbria favourite.
by Sophie Richardson
Rates at Farlam Hall for a Standard Room begin at £340 on a B&B basis. For more information and to book, please visit here.
A non-residential package for private dining begins at £3,500 and includes the exclusive HRISHI’s Table dining experience for up to 10 guests, which includes the Taittinger Prelude Grands Crus Champagne and canapes on arrival, followed by a multi course tasting menu with matching wines, coffee & petit fours. For more information and to book, please visit here.