A cruise with Gin around Ullswater for a couple of hours? Who wouldn’t?
Throughout June and July, Ullswater Steamers’ renowned gin excursions with live music are available.
The gin tasting activities, presented in collaboration with Pooley Bridge’s Chesnut House, are part of a two-hour cruise on Ullswater.
“They’re pretty popular,” said Darren Todd of Chestnut House, “but none of them are sold out yet.”
Last year, two-thirds of those who went on the Ullswater gin cruises were from Cumbria, with the balance being visitors and holiday-makers.
Guests may also sample three gins from a Cumbrian distillery and one from Chestnut House, for a total of four gin and tonics, while being entertained by Fiona Hanlon of Fiona Music in the Lakes.
If a specific gin piques a customer’s interest, entire bottles are offered for purchase on the boat.
The steamer’s capacity is generally 110, however it is reduced to 60 for the gin tasting evenings in case of rain.
The boat’s layout, according to Darren, is extremely excellent since it provides four distinct places.
“People who want to dance and have a big party stay up on the top bit, but the music goes around the boat, so you can just sit in the front and chat with your friends and have a few gins if you want,” Darren explained.
Darren, the evening’s presenter, presents a brief history of gin and its ongoing appeal.
He claims that the versatility of gin’s flavour and its refreshingness with tonic are what make it such an appealing drink.
“People get to try gins they’ve never tried before,” Darren explained.
A group of people got to sample gins last Friday, including mango and passion fruit, strawberries and cream, and a Mediterranean type with citrus aromas. “Gin is definitely having its day right now,” Darren stated.
According to Trip Advisor, Chestnut House, which has been open for seven years and is managed by Darren, is “the best shop in Cumbria,” with Grasmere Gingerbread coming in second.
“We have nearly 500 gins now, along with rums, vodka, and craft ale,” Darren explained.
Cruises are scheduled on June 9, 16, 23, and 30, as well as July 7, 14, and 21. They run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and depart and return to the Pooley Bridge pier.
In addition, to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation, each traveller will receive a coronation year souvenir boarding ticket along with a unique opportunity to visit on another day during the 2023 season.
Cocktail cruises are also being discussed for next year.
“One more fell from a great mood…” Chris writes for numerous online publications, having studied at The University College of North Wales, Bangor. He is regularly in The Lake District and enjoys wild camping, hiking and watersports. His favourite location? Muncaster Castle…
