RestaurantsCumbriaCrosthwaiteLA8
Crosthwaite, LA8 8HR

survey result

Summary

£67
  £££
3
Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

This “consistently enjoyable” and much commented-on gastropub – originally a village blacksmiths from 1829 – wins plaudits for its “helpful and friendly staff” under owner Richard Rose, and for its signature “cheese soufflé that always hits the spot – which is why they keep it on the menu”; other dishes also go down well, not least a “raspberry soufflé to die for”.

Summary

£67
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Terrific service, even during winter storms” is typical of this very scenically located pub in a small village a quarter of an hour’s drive from Windermere and overlooking the Lyth Valley. It is the most commented-on pub in The Lakes in our annual diners’ poll. Owner Richard Rose has built its renown as a generally well-run operation, which of course also includes “quality locally sourced food”. Top Menu Tip – twice-baked Lancashire cheese soufflé.

Summary

£66
  £££
3
Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Locally sourced modern British cooking at its best” draws an appreciative crowd to this “high-quality operation that’s more restaurant than pub”, in “a picturesque location, tucked away in a small stone-built Lakeland village”. Top tip: “the Stornoway black pudding and scallop starter is exceptional”.

Summary

£54
   ££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“This is how you do great pub food”“full of flavour”, using seasonal ingredients from the owner’s farm and with “generous helpings as befits as a gastropub”. “They don’t try to be too clever but they are still a step above everyone else nearby”, hence their “excellent” local reputation.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at The Punch Bowl Inn?

Owner's description

The Punch Bowl has built a reputation based on good quality food, fine wines and attentive, friendly service whilst still retaining the homely English pub feel. In the kitchen we pride ourselves on preparing fresh, locally sourced food and presenting it in an honest but exciting fashion. The menu is based on classic flavour combinations using modern techniques and is updated to meet seasonal availability.

Prices

Traditional European menu

Starter Main Veggies Pudding
£10.00 £20.00 £5.45 £9.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £27.00
Filter Coffee £2.95
Extras  
Service 10.00%

Restaurant details

Highchair,Portions
Yes
20
No dress code
85
Yes

The Punch Bowl Inn Restaurant Diner Reviews

Reviews of The Punch Bowl Inn Restaurant in LA8, Crosthwaite by users of Hardens.com. Also see the editors review of The Punch Bowl Inn restaurant.
Sam T
Great meal. Best cheese soufflé we've ever...
Reviewed 8 months,

"Great meal. Best cheese soufflé we've ever had"

Report this comment
Have you eaten at The Punch Bowl Inn?
Post your own review of The Punch Bowl Inn and contribute to our annual restaurant review guide.
Post your own review
Crosthwaite, LA8 8HR
Opening hours
Monday8:30 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm
Tuesday8:30 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm
Wednesday8:30 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm
Thursday8:30 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm
Friday8:30 am‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑9 pm
Saturday8:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm
Sunday8:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times