The Yan At Grasmere - A Hidden Gem

Whether you are in Yorkshire or Lancashire we are fortunate enough to be within easy reach of some of the most scenic areas in the country such as the Lake District.

Accommodation in the Lakes has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years and you are now able to find boutique accommodation as easy as anywhere else. Hoteliers seem to have woken up to the fact that after a day of walking on the fells people like to come back to a warm homely atmosphere with good food and a comfortable bed at the end of the day.

The Yan at Broadrayne is a good case in point. After a £500,000 modernisation that was only completed in June 2019 you will now find a contemporary bistro with excellent, modern and clean accommodation attached.

The 17th century former farm has seven family friendly plush en-suite bedrooms, a rustic bistro and an open plan lounge area, perfect for an evening of board games after a long day exploring the Lakes. Two of the rooms are dog friendly too.

You will be in good company as family run The Yan epitomises Cumbrian hospitality, though Dave and Sally who are parents to daughter Jess who runs The Yan with partner Will, originate from Yorkshire so that might explain the warm friendly welcome you will receive throughout your stay at The Yan.

I liked the little touches, such as the bike storage, though you could easily walk to Grasmere within 25 minutes or so. I was impressed too with how that the heating is powered by a 100kw Biomass system that runs on wood chip and wood pellets.

Each room is named after a certain Fell or hill in the Lakes. My room was the light and bright Silver How. Although it has a modern feel it still felt homely and like stepping into your home bedroom. Quality bedding and a good mattress provided a good night's sleep. Add to that a big flat screen TV with all the channels you could wish for (although why would you want to watch television with the stunning views around you) and a comfy settee and you have a home from home. The free Wi-Fi was speedy too.

The water pressure in the walk in shower was powerful and the bespoke toiletries were an added bonus.

It was good to see locals as well as people walking by, eating in the Bistro. I tried the Fish and Chips served with mushy peas which were delicious and would satisfy any hungry appetite after a day out in the Cumbrian air.

The Apple and Blackberry crumble served with custard tasted just like the ones my mum used to make. All the produce is sourced locally too. A wood burner keeps the bistro nice and warm.

Breakfast was a feast to set you up for the day with the eggs from Broadrayne farm though you can have regular lion stamped eggs if you wish.

There is an outdoor seating area that would be perfect in the summer with its south facing terrace.

Having friendly hosts makes a huge difference and I felt like I was meeting up with old friends at The Yan. There is a lot of heart, soul and effort been put into this operation - it might sound corny but you could feel it, not in a contrived way but it just felt so natural.

A lot of the guests I talked to during my stay were on a return visit, which having experienced it now myself I can fully understand.

I am glad that The Yan is within easy reach, never mind the Lake District.

Have big expectations - you will not be disappointed.

The Yan at Broadrayne, A591, Grasmere LA22 9RU
www.theyan.co.uk