My wife and I fancied a few days away and after a Google Earth Street View walk through of Cockermouth, we called the Manor House and were offered a mid-week three night break at a very competitive rate.
On entering the foyer we were greeted by the sight of a wonderful sweeping staircase, and personally welcomed by the owner.
The first floor room we were shown to was more than adequate in size, as was the en-suite bathroom. The facilities were excellent, with two large comfy armchairs to sink into and relax after the drive down from Scotland.
The decor was that befitting a period manor house, and although maybe not to everyone's taste, it was perfectly in keeping with a house such as this.
The bed was so comfortable you didn't want to rise in the morning, but with mid week last breakfast call at 8.30 am, a fairly early rise was a must. The selection of teas, coffees and biscuits on the hospitality tray was double that of the main stream chain hotels.
The breakfast room was off the main dining room, but was small but intimate, The choice of cereals, fresh fruits and juices was first class. The cooked breakfast, from the extensive range was done to order, cooked by the owner and not to be faulted.
No matter where we went in the town, when we said we were staying at the Manor House, the immediate reaction was 'the food is second to none,'
The chef/owner's reputation was certainly not over-stated. The menu was top class, and the food was also top class. The restaurant staff were mostly youngsters, but they were polite, efficient and attentive.
The hotel bar is rather a misnomer, as it is really a throwback to the days when you ordered your meals in the cocktail bar while enjoying an aperitif, and you are called to the dining room by a waiter or waitress when the meal is ready to serve.
It does not lend itself to settling down for an evening propping up the bar, and to be honest, it is the only fault we could find with the hotel, but it certainly is a civilised way to wait for your meal to be served.
The town is well on the road to recovery following the floods last November, and for us, the Manor House is certainly an ambassador to attract visitors. This is not an hotel for those who want a spartan room with plastic food slopped up on paper plates before careering off to the next port of call.
However if you want to relax for a few days in the lifestyle of the old Lords of the Manor,
then look no further.
We will return to this gem of an hotel in the future.

Lovely manor house though the interior is a let down. We had a double room (sadly only small bed) and v small bathroom - the fixtures and fittings do not do the manor house justice. Plenty of comfy seats and sofas in the bar but no bar staff when we came down for pre-dinner drinks - had to go searching for someone to serve us and then only to find there was no tomato juice in the hotel.
The large restaurant lacked any character or style - a cross between a Swiss Alps restaurant and an Italian bistro. The food was good and plentiful but too many rich sauces with everything. Staff were young and inexperienced but did all the right things.
Breafasts were made very good by the homemade bread & jams. However we were shoved into the back area of the restaurant which resembled a dingy caravan where the walls were clad in faux-wood panels.
Nevertheless, the owner and the Australian watiress at breakfast were v friendly and we had an ok stay. The whole place could be soo much better with some interior design that befits a beautiful manor house.

Well worth staying. Room was a bit on the small side but very tastefully furnished, very clean and lovely decor. The owners were very friendly amd took time to chat. Food was very good, the breakfast wanted foe nothing, the owner is the chef and is extremely good. Overall a very pleasamt stay on a friendly, well run hotel.

The Staff was very friendly and helpful. The room I stayed in was large and comfortable, (there are smaller rooms available), it was always clean when I returned in the evening.
The all of the meals I had while staying there were excellent.