The vibrant flavours of Spain are set to hit the cobbles of Keswick

While holidays abroad are still looking somewhat questionable for summer 2021, our incredible Skiddaw Hotel is set to bring the exotic flavours of Spain to the bustling market town of Keswick with the introduction of an authentic Spanish tapas menu.

In 2020, the 4-star Skiddaw Hotel situated in the heart of Keswick was awarded its first ever AA Rosette after hiring new head-chef, Bobby Fillingham. After a lengthy closure due to the most recent national lockdown, the hotel is finally set to reopen on Monday 17th May and our talented chef is quite literally bringing some exciting new ideas to the table!

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tapas in the Lake District
Skiddaw Hotel Head Chef, Bobby Fillingham

A taste of the Balearics..

Bobby’s brilliant plans include the addition of over 15 authentic Spanish tapas dishes to the Bar & Conservatory menu which will be available 7-days a week from 12-9pm, as well as a weekly Spanish-themed night set to launch in June. Both of these have been heavily inspired by the 18 years that the chef spent working in Spain before moving back to the UK.

From June onward, the hotel’s weekly ‘Tapas Thursdays’ will see the vibrant culture of Spain come alive in the heart of Keswick, as the evening will incorporate authentic tapas dishes, jugs of sangria, continental beers and Spanish entertainment.

During his time there, he was predominantly based in Mallorca, but spent much of his time travelling around the mainland and surrounding Spanish islands in search of new culinary inspiration. He mainly travelled around to visit his suppliers which enlightened Bobby as to how diverse the many regions of Spain actually are.

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tapas in the Lake District

“I learnt all about Spanish food from a range of highly experienced chefs in the Balearics. From the old-school traditional right through to when the new wave of technical creativity became popular in kitchens; I gained so much valuable knowledge which I have adapted into the new menu.” – Bobby Fillingham, Skiddaw Hotel Head Chef

Alongside your typical tapas favourites, Bobby’s recommendations are: ‘Garbanzos con Chorizo‘ (chorizo, spinach & chickpea stew with flaked almonds), ‘Calamares a la Romana‘ (deep fried squid with lemon) and ‘Pimientos de Padron‘ (fried baby green peppers with sea salt flakes).

“The fresh Padron Peppers are being supplied to the hotel directly from Spain and as a member of the chili family, about 1 in 10 are quite spicy so it’s a lottery who picks a fiery one”

When asked, he told us his favourite dishes were always from the sea, however he is particularly excited about the Chorizo Sausages as our butcher is making them for us especially. He was also excited about the Albondigas (meatballs) where we are combining the best Cumbrian products with the recipes of Spain. There’s nowhere better to enjoy tapas in the Lake District!

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A foodie’s paradise…

As well as offering authentic Spanish tapas in the Lake District, the hotel’s crown jewel, Brasserie 31, also reopens on May 17th where a new Summer menu is available to tantalise the taste-buds.

Using only the finest local ingredients, the new menu includes a series of appetizing British dishes each with their own Cumbrian twist; offering guests an exciting dining experience in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

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tapas in the Lake District

Brasserie 31 is open 7-nights a week and you can book a table online by vising https://www.lakedistricthotels.net/book-table. Please note, you cannot book a table for the Conservatory or Bar area.

To book a room at the 4-star Skiddaw Hotel, call 0800 840 1243 or visit https://www.lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel/. Prices start at £112.50 for Bed & Breakfast.

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