"Knowing we’d be in Coniston on New Year’s Day (2 adults and 2 children) I booked online at the Yewdale in early Dec to make sure we secured a table, anticipating it might be busy. On arrival we were met by a pleasant waiter who showed us to our reserved table in the mostly empty pub. We were slightly disappointed, having booked a table, to be in the bar area next to a big group of young men who were swearing quite a bit and acting generally laddish. Some of the talk was not something I wanted my daughter who is 7, to hear. Thankfully she was entertained by the colouring menu sheet that was kindly supplied. To be honest I thought we be put in the restaurant bit given we’d booked in advance (the bar reserved for walk ins) but it appeared closed until we were leaving about 6.30pm. Anyway we got on with it as we do as we’re not fussy and there was another family with children there too. Our second disappointment was the big sign saying ‘sorry no pizza today’. Pizza was an option for us and something we were looking forward to having visited in the summer, so this was disappointing. I’d have thought if they weren’t offering pizza they should have told us in advance through the booking system or indicated online. This reduced the menu by 50%. We ordered from the main menu and children’s menu. The children’s fish and chips was excellent and I can’t complain, it was one of the best fish I’ve seen in a child’s menu. The adults lasagne was clearly homemade and tasted ok. Better than it looked . But at 15 I’d have expected it to come with chips not just a bit of garlic bread. Or chips should have been an add on for a couple of given the size of it but they were 4.50 on top. All a bit pricey for what it was and the portion size. The biggest disappointment was the fish pie. I was looking forward to haddock, smoked haddock, salmon and prawns as indicated on the menu. Instead I basically got a bit of haddock (well white fish), a load of spinach, and some cheese mash. No sign of the prawns, smoked salmon or haddock. The buttered greens it came with were leek and green beans and filled half the plate! We didn’t stop for dessert and opted for a chocolate bar at the petrol station instead given how disappointed we were with the mains. Beer selection was good and no issues there and staff were pleasant and attentive. We will probably visit again for pizza but the pub food overall was a let down."
Fresh Mussels
