The best view in Britain

Last year Caterer launched View with a Room, its quest to find the best outlook in hospitality, in association with hospitality technology solutions provider, Visual One Systems, and independent hotel and restaurant search site Withaview.com.

Entries flooded in, ranging from dreamy ocean views to giddying cityscapes. After lengthy deliberation our expert panel of judges drew up a list of 20 finalists in February.

And now, following a reader poll, we're delighted to announce that our winner and the hospitality business with the best view in Britain is… the Langdale Chase hotel in Windermere, Cumbria. Our congratulations go to the hotel's whole team.

Thomas Noblett, managing director of Langdale Chase, said he was thrilled at winning the competition, especially for his staff. He said: "The battle's won when people arrive. They are already relaxed, the other 50% is just getting the service right. There is that wow factor as soon as you walk in."

Noblett added that he thought Langdale Chase's view had won Caterer's competition because its views offered a different aspect from every room and that, whatever the weather or the season, the countryside was spectacular.

Langdale Chase is a 27-bedroom country house hotel, which offers panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding mountains from the seclusion of its own wooded grounds. Most of the bedrooms offer views of the lake, while one special bedroom above the hotel's boathouse offers superb views and the added aural delight of gently lapping water. Dining in the hotel's 90-seat restaurant is also a visual treat. Guest, can look out over the National Park or even enjoy dining alfresco on the hotel's lawn-lined terraces.

The Langdale Chase will receive a specially commissioned painting of its view, a high-powered telescope and a cheque for £1,000 in a presentation this summer. n

What our readers said…

Here are just a few of your comments on Langdale Chase and why you thought it deserved to win:
"My husband and I married at the Langdale Chase in October last year. Rain or shine, the mountains in the distance were breathtaking."
"The Langdale has the most wonderful views no matter what time of year. What also makes this hotel the best is the friendly service and excellent bedrooms and restaurant."
"They have the most beautiful and memorable views that I have ever been lucky enough to witness."
"It's an extremely tranquil and relaxing place to visit or stay, and I would highly recommend the view to anyone who appreciates the British countryside." "Absolutely stunning."
"It has the best view in the country. That's why some friends of mine have booked their Edwardian wedding there… they couldn't have chosen anywhere nicer."
"The view from Langdale Chase hotel has to be one of the best I've seen on my travels, certainly about the best in Britain. And with the fantastic staff who work there, you can't help but feel welcome while taking in all its beauty." "The Langdale Chase hotel is by far the best hotel for views of the country. Apart from the luxurious accommodation, one only has to look at the view for the most peaceful and tranquil feeling. This is what one needs for the perfect break - 100% doctor's orders."
"The views are out of this world."

The five best-placed businesses were: 1 Langdale Chase hotel (31% of votes)
2 St Andrew's, Scotland (21%)
3 Apex City, Edinburgh (15%)
4 St David's, Cardiff (12.5%)
5 Dean Court, York (12%)