South Lakeland's older residents enjoyed a festive treat, courtesy of The Inn Collection Group, which hosted an early Christmas luncheon at The Waterhead Inn.

Focused on alleviating the loneliness usually experienced during the holiday season, the pub and rooms operator tapped their network of contacts in Ambleside and the surrounding areas to invite those who needed a boost in festive cheer.

The Waterhead Inn, which resumed operations in late summer following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, was selected as this year’s venue.

The Mail: Diners enjoyed a three course mealDiners enjoyed a three course meal (Image: The Inn Collection Group)

General manager, Daryl Hardy, had delivered a similar event at the town's Regent Hotel the previous year.

Progressing on that initiative, the 2023 celebration witnessed an impressive turnout with 84 guests converging for a delightful afternoon filled with sumptuous meals and great company.

The winter sunshine beamed a spectacular golden glow over Waterhead Bay, adding to the charm of the gathering.

The event commenced at 1pm on December 13, with a meticulously prepared three-course luncheon by the kitchen staff.

The Mail: Low winter sunshine bathed the venue in a golden glowLow winter sunshine bathed the venue in a golden glow (Image: The Inn Collection Group)

A starter of tomato soup or melon and parma ham was followed by the options of a conventional roast turkey, beef dinner or vegetable wellington.

All meals were enjoyed thoroughly by all present and the culinary team had plenty of practice in anticipation of Christmas Day when The Waterhead Inn expects more than 140 diners.

Desserts featuring traditional festive flavours marked the conclusion of the meal.

Options included Christmas pudding with Brandy sauce, a trio of ice cream, or mince pies, complemented with tea or coffee.

As the guests savoured their meals and mingled, they were imbued with a festive spirit, beginning to depart around 3.30pm.

The Mail: One of the available mealsOne of the available meals (Image: The Inn Collection Group)

General manager Mr Hardy said: “It was good to welcome the guests to the lunch at The Waterhead Inn and to be able to invite people from across the community in Ambleside and the surrounding villages.

“Through working with Ambleside Parish Centre, Ambleside and Kirkstone Rotary and Age UK South Lakeland, we were able to welcome double the number of guests we did in 2022 and I know from speaking to them throughout the afternoon that they enjoyed the day.

“As an inn, it is important for us to be at the heart of our community and to look after our local residents and I’m hugely grateful to our contacts at those groups who helped us reach a whole new band of people.

“The whole team did a great job in putting on the event, from the front-of-house guys who looked after the diners to the kitchen brigade who turned around more than 80 three-course meals with no pre-orders and I’d like to thank them for making the day run so smoothly.”