Penrith, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

This “outstanding” and “extremely reliable restaurant in the centre of Penrith” from former Sharrow Bay chef James Cowin offers “hearty, generous cooking (and the veg is always good enough to be noteworthy, too)” – “the whole meal is a delight”, with “excellent service” from staff who “welcome you like a long-lost friend”, and provides “great value, particularly from the table d’hôte menu”. Top Tips – the twice-baked cheese soufflé and slow-cooked blade of beef are always on the menu, for good reason.

‘The Dog and Gun Inn is not a ‘fine dining establishment’ confirms the website of Ben Queen-Fryer’s Lake District venue which goes on to note that it’s “a family-run business and families of all ages are welcome to book and dine with us” (including dogs in certain areas). Diner feedback confirms “there continues to be excellent food at this friendly, unpretentious Michelin-starred pub, where owner Ben is very much hands on and does most of the cooking”: “tasty and different dishes, in good sized portions”. Top Menu Tip – “Don’t miss his soufflés!”

2022 Review: This old-school market-town hotel is a cosseting sort of spot, whether you opt to dine in the “comforting bar area” or the silver-and-ruby-red restaurant, garlanded with two AA rosettes for its “consistently high standard” of “well-presented” food.

2024 Review: “Amazing stay and experience, the dishes were out of this world” – early praise for this January 2023 Lake District newcomer from the high-profile Edinburgh chef. It occupies an Art Deco hotel on the banks of Haweswater Reservoir, now transformed into a self-named fine-dining outfit focusing on local seasonal produce serving some of his signature dishes (shiitake mushrooms on toast; 11-hour slow-roast pork belly; sticky toffee soufflé). There’s also the more informal Brasserie 37, named after the year the hotel was opened. More reports please!