B6318, Penton, CA6 5QB

Harden's says

Owners Gerald and Margo Smith have transformed this old inn, 15 miles north of Carlisle in the 'debatable lands' along the Anglo-Scottish border, since taking it over in 2017. Head chef Chris Archer has won increasing acclaim for his 8-course tasting menus using produce from the restored kitchen garden at nearby Netherby Hall (also owned by the Smiths) as well as prime Scottish beef and seafood.

survey result

Summary

£102
£££££
5
Exceptional
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Never has a restaurant so very far exceeded my expectations!” In 2017, Gerald & Margo Smith revamped this Cumbrian inn and it has gone from strength to strength despite its “middle of nowhere” location (“a crossroads miles from anywhere, where the only thing nearby is the Scottish border”). A “small” dining room plays host to Chris Archer’s well-accoldaded cuisine, which at dinner can either be enjoyed over four courses (for £80 per person) or eight courses (for £125 per person). Of the latter, one seasoned diner notes: “Across all the many dishes, there was not one single step mis-taken or bum note: everything was perfectly conceived and perfectly executed. I was blown away. They’ve really thought about every aspect of the experience, and – for me – quite simply got it just right”. Top Menu Tip – “A hefty slice of Dunblane Highland-X-Angus wagyu fillet was one of the best tasting bits of fillet steak I can remember, and was not overwhelmed by the accompaniments: wild garlic, a large morel stuffed with wagyu trimmings, white asparagus, and a superb, utterly classic sauce poivrade (and excellent mash)”.

Summary

£99
 ££££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“I remember it from fifty years ago as a dirty, swirly-carpeted local drinking hole. So much nicer now! Well worth the detour”. Gerald and Margo Smith transformed this Cumbrian inn in 2017 and it has been much accoladed ever since thanks to chef Chris Archer’s “very well-balanced” five- or eight-course tasting menus. The Guardian’s Grace Dent is also a fan: “in recent times especially, it has felt wrong to glorify expensive, unabashedly poncy food, but cooking at this level is something Britain should be proud of”. And before or after your meal, there are “beautiful walks just down the road”.

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 Pentonbridge Inn?

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Always   £75.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £30.00
Filter Coffee £3.00
Extras  
Service 10.00%

Restaurant details

No dress code
24
12
B6318, Penton, CA6 5QB
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Opening hours
MondayCLOSED
TuesdayCLOSED
Wednesday6 pm‑8:30 pm
Thursday6 pm‑8:30 pm
Friday12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
Saturday12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑8:30 pm
SundayCLOSED

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