On TripAdvisor, Lago is the top-rated venue in Bowness-on-Windermere.
With a wry chuckle, Lago co-owner Gareth Newton explains, “We originally opened as a wine bar serving food, but the cocktails have definitely taken over.” The goal was to provide something new to the tourist destination of Bowness-on-Windermere, in Lago’s case, organic wines and charcuterie, cheese and meat boards, all as locally sourced as possible.
However, word quickly spread that Gareth’s cocktails were not to be missed. Although wine is still a popular choice on the menu, it is his cocktails, which include handmade syrups, infusions, home-grown herbs, and even chocolate created in-house, that are the most popular.
Gareth is the ‘face’ of the Lake District company, administering it on a daily basis, while his partners Gareth, Lee, and Will were more involved in its development and design. Despite its proximity to Lake Road, along small St Martin’s Lane, the wine and cocktail bar feels tucked away and secluded.
It might be a great way to get away from the crowds, especially during peak season. Winter is naturally calmer in the lakeside town, making it the ideal season to visit if you want to immerse yourself in a book while sipping an espresso martini.
“Bowness can be quite unpredictable,” said Gareth, who plans to launch Lago in July 2022. “It can be really quiet and we close early, but other nights it can fill up in minutes.” It is very dependent on the weather.
“We have a lot of loyal customers, and of course, passers-by who come in because they’re curious.”
Cumbria-born Gareth is a highly accomplished mixologist with a plethora of hospitality experience, having worked as a restaurant manager at Michelin-starred The Forest Side in Grasmere, under former head chef Kevin Tickle, and at L’Enclume with Simon Rogan.
“I’ve worked with some top chefs, Simon is great to work for, it was amazing,” Gareth, a father of two, continued, “but it was time to go out on my own [so to speak].”
“I wanted to serve organic wine, and it just grew from there.” I’m currently working on a spring cocktail menu. Customers may always request the classics, and I’ll add my personal spin to others.
“What distinguishes us from the competition?” Easy. Every one of our syrups, juices, and even chocolate is manufactured in-house, which I believe is significant. It gives the cocktails a unique taste that only we can provide.”
One example of the ‘twist’ is rum in a pornstar martini served with a caramelised passionfruit scooped out with a spoon. Gareth’s sour is created with spiced pear amaretto, egg white, fresh lime, pear juice, and agave, and it “tastes and smells just like winter.”
You may pair your beverages with organic meats and intriguing cuts like duck and salami, as well as a broad choice of cheeses like brie and stilton. Gareth and the crew will prepare a sharing board to suit your tastes, complete with dips like chilli jam, oils, pickles, crackers, and flaky bread.
With sleek circular booths, a pink neon light in the shape of a cocktail glass, and Gareth personally selecting each glass, utensil, and pouring mechanism, the décor is discreet, sophisticated, and contemporary. When it is told to modest Gareth that Lago is the number one venue (out of 93) in Bowness on TripAdvisor, he nearly seems ashamed.
However, his calibre is certainly difficult to overlook and, instead, something to brag about. Lago will be open from 4 p.m. on Thursdays until approximately March, and from midday on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
