Sharrow Bay Hotel: A Historic Gem Of The Lake District Famous For Sticky Toffee Pudding

Published on July 15, 2025

Cumbria’s Lake District has been a favorite among travelers seeking tranquility, spectacular scenery, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In this treasure trove of attractions, none is as legendary as one of its most iconic institutions: the Sharrow Bay Hotel. Famous for its idyllic location beside Ullswater, the hotel perfected grandeur, first-rate hospitality, and—a testament perhaps most evident of them all—a dessert subsequently to gain global fame: sticky toffee pudding.

Sharrow Bay Hotel is usually referred to as the first authentic country house hotel. Throughout five decades, it had gained fame as a place of distinct charm coupled with first-class hotel facilities. All this was possible because of its proprietors, Francis Coulson, together with his partner Brian Sack, who had developed the hotel into an institution through their passion and innovations.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding that Conquered the World

While the Sharrow Bay Hotel became famous for many reasons, it was the sticky toffee pudding that truly put it on the map. This indulgent dessert, with its rich and gooey toffee sauce, quickly became synonymous with the hotel. Though its origins are debated—some claiming it hails from Canada or Australia—Sharrow Bay’s version remains the most widely recognized.

Under the guidance of Coulson, the sticky toffee pudding was perfected and became an essential part of the hotel’s menu. With each bite, guests experienced a taste of both the region’s heritage and Coulson’s culinary expertise. Its fame spread far beyond the Lake District, and soon, it was being served in various establishments, earning the hotel international acclaim.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

Sharrow Bay’s culinary approach was ahead of its time. Coulson and Sack were pioneers in utilizing local ingredients long before the trend of farm-to-table dining became popular. Each meal at Sharrow Bay reflected the hotel’s commitment to quality. From the freshest fish delivered to Penrith’s train station to the gallons of locally sourced cream used in their famous dessert, every dish was made with care and attention to detail.

The hotel’s cuisine was defined by a focus on simple yet delicious ingredients. Bread was baked fresh twice a day, and pastries like croissants were made from scratch. Visitors could expect nothing short of excellence in every meal, whether it was an elaborate dinner or a casual afternoon tea.

The Sharrow Bay Experience: Unmatched Hospitality

The hotel’s appeal went beyond just the food—it was the overall experience that made it special. Guests were drawn to Sharrow Bay not only for its culinary offerings but also for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. There was an unmistakable charm in the way the hotel was run, with a focus on providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking a high-end but non-pretentious holiday.

The calm and quiet atmosphere, the beauty of Ullswater, and the attention to every detail in service made the Sharrow Bay Hotel an unforgettable destination for many. It attracted a diverse range of visitors, from families celebrating special occasions to celebrities and dignitaries seeking a peaceful getaway. For those lucky enough to visit, the experience was one that left a lasting impression.

Local Ingredients and Traditional Techniques

Long before the emphasis on local, sustainable food became a trend in the broader hospitality industry, Sharrow Bay was using ingredients from the surrounding area. Regular deliveries of local fish and fresh dairy products were integral to the hotel’s cuisine. The cream used in the sticky toffee pudding was sourced from a local Jersey herd, and it was delivered in large quantities to the kitchen, ensuring that every dish, especially the iconic pudding, was as rich and flavorful as possible.

The dedication to using the best local ingredients was not just about creating great food; it was about supporting the local economy and connecting with the land in a way that many visitors appreciated. Sharrow Bay embraced these values long before they became the hallmark of modern gastronomy.

The End of an Era: Sharrow Bay Closes Its Doors

Sadly, in 2020, Sharrow Bay Hotel, like many other establishments, was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately closed its doors. The closure marked the end of an era for Cumbria’s hospitality scene. For many years, the hotel had stood as a beacon of luxury and culinary excellence in the region.

The Sharrow Bay Hotel had a reputation for being a special place for people seeking not just a hotel stay, but an experience. It had been the scene of countless celebrations, quiet retreats, and gastronomic delights. Its legacy, especially its sticky toffee pudding, remains ingrained in the memories of all those who had the pleasure of staying there.

The Future of Sharrow Bay: A New Beginning

Though Sharrow Bay’s original incarnation has come to an end, there is hope for its revival. The owners of the nearby Askham Hall have plans to reopen the hotel, bringing back its iconic cuisine and unforgettable charm. The exact reopening date is still to be confirmed, but the news has been welcomed by many who cherish the legacy of this historic hotel.

A Love for the Lake District: The True Secret Behind Sharrow Bay’s Success

At its heart, Sharrow Bay’s charm was its location in the picturesque Lake District. That blend of scenery with unmatched hospitality was impossible to resist for so many. Despite the death of Francis Coulson in 1998 and Brian Sack in 2002, there was still something of magic at the hotel, showing how a picturesque location can complement the best of things.

Well, as Mr. Coulson once remarked, in a place like the Lake District, location was an irreplaceable asset. If it was a reflection of the moon on Ullswater or maybe some grand panorama of hills nearby, location had a way of stealing one’s heart, sometimes long before one had ever had a taste of the sticky toffee pudding.

Sharrow Bay’s reputation might have been built on its superb food and first-rate hospitality, but there was something uniquely magical in the way it made every visitor feel special. If one came due to views, or due to food, or due to atmosphere, it was impossible not to leave feeling as if something really excellent had been had.

References: Visit Cumbria, Tourism in the Lake District, UK Government

Image Credit: Sharrow Bay Official Website