Huck's - Menu

Askham Hall

➤ Askham Hall, CA10 2PF, Eden, United Kingdom

Menu • Coffee • Dining • British • European

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"A property has stood on this site since the 13th century, with much of the present building being built in the late 1580s. It came into the possession of the Earls of Lonsdale in the 1830s and was the home of the 7th Earl until his death in 2006. It remained in the ownership of his widow who oversaw its conversion to boutique hotel and restaurant. I mention the history only because the whole ambiance of the public space shouts it at you – from the heraldic symbols on the walls to the shabby (not “shabby chic” condition of the furnishings in the lounge. You would never be in any doubt that you were having dinner in a stately home., even though the restaurant space feels quite modern, with a large window between kitchen and dining room. That means you can watch the chefs at work when conversation flags (as it almost certainly will over the coming hours . Unsurprisingly for a Michelin starred restaurant, food is by way of a no choice, six course, tasting menu. Be prepared for this to take a good three hours, with aperitifs and coffee – there can be long gaps between courses. The three front of house staff were very much on the ball. In particular the young female sommelier, starting out on her career, was first rate – knowledgeable and engaging. There were a couple of single bit canapes, served with the aperitif but, to be honest, I can’t recall what they were. Once in the dining room, bread was served quickly. A housemade sourdough pain de campagne, with organic butter. It was delicious and not a crumb was left – not least because it was all we got to eat for quite a while. The first course may, possibly, have been the best thing I ate all evening. It was their take on lobster thermidor. Bits of lobster, soft leeks, dice of crisp apple, the freshness of lovage and a cheese topping using Montgomery cheddar. You might have thought that using such a mature cheese would overpower the more delicate flavours but it stayed just about on the right side. The restaurant makes a great play on the provenance of the food. Much of the fruit and vegetables come from their own kitchen garden and some of the meats from their own farm. So, the garden provided a salad – Nicola potatoes, served warm, pickled beetroot, baby carrots, confit tomatoes and leaves, with dots of sheep’s curd acting as a dressing. A fish course next. It’s halibut from a fish farm in Scotland – if ever you come across halibut on a menu these days, it’s pretty much guaranteed to come from the farm on the Isle of Gigha. It’s perfectly cooked and comes with oyster mushrooms, greens, fennel and a Morecambe Bay shrimp sauce. Then the only dish of the evening which failed to please us. Rough Fell lamb is breed native to Cumbria but, disappointingly, it was chewy and just not very nice – much of it was left. A real pity, as the accompaniments of tomato, courgette, crispy potato and tarragon flavoured sauce, were all spot on. We were asked how we found it and told them (that brought an apology and a subsequent adjustment to the bill . Pre-dessert was excellent. Sweet cicely and cucumber, with crème fraiche and the only real sweetness coming from shards of caramelised white chocolate. The dessert plate that followed was also not too sweet – berries, lemon verbena cream, a sharpness from elderflower vinegar, topped with a macaroon, with it all surrounded by a puddle of strawberry “soup”. We finished a long evening with coffee and good petit fours – chocolate bon-bon, pate de fruit (that’s posh jelly to you and me and a small cube of fudge."

La Casita

➤ 9 Queen Street, Penrith I-CA11 7XF, United Kingdom

Menu • Sushi • Pizza • Cafés • Asiatic

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"Service was great, place was lovely but really disappointed in the food. The ingredients were clearly good quality but there was no zing, seasoning was absent. Options on the menu read really well innovative and interesting but the cooking was a million miles away from the good quality meals we have enjoyed in Spain. The belly pork was chewy, not slow cooked and rendered, the zarzuela was acceptable. I didnt have any fried options and that might have made a difference. All the plates came out at the same time rather than in a trickle. If I had had the four tapas option midweek then I might have been happy but at full price this was a miss. I will give it another chance but at the moment its not a go to place. Vegetarian options: Actually thought the vegi options were quite good considering."

Four & Twenty

➤ 42 King Street Penrith, Cumbria CA11 7AY, United Kingdom

Menu • Kebab • Seafood • Mexican • Fast Food

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"The best meal for our 4-day trip in Lake District. First of all, we received a very warm (on a wet and chilly day) and friendly welcome. The 2-course lunch menu we had was approaching fine dining quality but cost only 23 GBP. You may have a 3-course menu (starter, main and dessert) at 3 GBP more. That is absolutely value for money. This is a casual bistro style restaurant which also offers wine pairing. The recommended wines seemed to be very solid and reasonably priced. Too bad I could not taste any of them as I had to drive back to Glasgow after lunch. Overall, an ideal place to stop over for a meal if you pass by Penrith on your way to or back from the Lake District."

The Lemon Tree Cafe Bistro

➤ Devonshire Arcade, CA11 7SX, Eden, United Kingdom

Menu • Cafe • Steak • Coffee • Cheese

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"Stopped off here for lunch on way home to Scotland, having good memories of this cafe from a visit several years ago. We were glad to find that it was still open and serving a wide variety of meal and snack options including lots of gluten free choices which pleased my husband who has coeliac disease. Fresh home-made food at excellent prices, and licensed too!"

The Cross Keys Inn

➤ Carleton, Eden, United Kingdom

Menu • Cafés • Steak • Coffee • Asiatic

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"I phoned to reserve to find courteous and very helpful staff. When we arrived we found the room that was booked for us was fabulous! It was everything we needed, travelling with our year old Labrador. We went for a short walk to settle...our dog and then went into the pub for dinner. The barman poured me a pint of local ale, which didn’t look great and before I could say anything, he apologised profusely and asked if I mind waiting a couple of minutes whist he changed the barrel, I waited about minutes and boy was it worth it!! The menu was not extensive and as a chef that was a good sign. But there was more than enough variety to please most tastes. My wife had a steak, which was classically presented and cooked to perfection. I had pan fried Bass fillets (again beautifully cooked) on an outstanding buttery, lemon and prawn risotto. One of the best risottos I had since visiting Venice!! I’m now hunting for reasons to come this way again!!"