Carlisle
Kirkstyle Inn

Kirkstyle Inn

Slaggyford, Carlisle, United Kingdom

Soup • Fish • Steak • Chicken


"I am blown away, stunning location with incredible views as the sun began to set. This place is so far out of ‘the way’ yet local enough to return which we will. It actually only took 38 minutes from Hexham to reach the venue and we were smiling all the way once we left the A69. Beautiful roads, that twist and turn through stunning Northumberland and then you happen across a lone pub. But this is no ordinary pub, from the immaculate exterior to the modern take on a barn conversion/meets country pub/meets cosy restaurant all in one. Its perfection is reserved however for the very attentive and professional staff, who bring humour and warmth to the occasion. Then the food comes…. What a flavour explosion. Every mouthful of the delicately laid out plates takes on a new peak of taste explosion, teasing you further into the dish. A country pub might be expected to overload a plate to ensure that quantity over quality is assured but this is a work of art, experienced by many eyes who watch master chef on the TV, yet here we are sat in Slaggyford!! I don’t really want to tell you all this as I can’t see being able to get a table again until 2024, especially since the Times and Observer glowingly reviewed this place too…. But I want the friendly staff and the incredible chef to get the merit they deserve. So yes, definitely the best meal I’ve had in 2023 and possibly of all time. Don’t take my word for it, but don’t delay as I can’t see the ‘£30 for three courses’ price tag staying much longer."

Bessiestown Vintage Tea

Bessiestown Vintage Tea

Bessiestown, CA6 5UA, Carlisle, United Kingdom

Tea • Cakes • Coffee • Cheese


"What a fabulous place, off the beaten track but well worth going. My MiL recently won an afternoon tea for two voucher for here, so we booked for Sunday afternoon. On arrival we were directed into a parking spot overlooking the surrounding beautiful countryside, then...guided into the house through a flowered courtyard. Once shown to our table we took in the homely decor, very clean immaculate. We both asked for tea it came in a teapot with an old fashioned tea strainer, our delights started arriving first was a warmed yorkshire pudding (the size of my fist) filled with succulent pieces of beef in rich gravy. Then followed the savoury platter, top tier filo baskets filled with a traditional prawn cocktail, second tier was two sausage rolls 2 squares of cheese quiche, the bottom tier had a round or sandwiches each with fillings of egg, ham mustard salmon. You then have time for that to settle while you chat drink more tea, Then out came small glasses of mango passion fruit sorbet to cleanse your palate. After another few minutes a fresh pot of tea, we were brought a dish of warm scones with homemade strawberry jam fresh whipped cream, followed shortly after by a teo tier stand of sweet treats. Top tier was meringues filled with cream, chocolate brownies Bottom tier was strawberry turnovers, raspberry oysters lemon drizzle cake. tea was offered but we politely declined as we were so full. An excellent experience was had by both of us we plan to return again soon with Friends. They also do B&B as well as studio apartments that sleeps up to 4 people."

Lucky House

Lucky House

9 Main Street Brampton, Carlisle, United Kingdom, CA8 1UH

Curry • Chinese • Takeaway • Fast Food


"How upsetting.....then again, had my doubts. We ordered a Chinese take away, not for the first time, from Lucky House. Allow me walk you through my experience. The last time we ordered some food and when I got home I was shocked. I did wonder if MSG was used and was nearly sure that it was, this time it was confirmed. I ordered ' 'chicken in satay sauce ' ' .. what do you expect? A thick, nutty, tasty sauce.... Alas! Once again sweet and sour sauce...with the complete lack of peanuts : I was upset, but not surprised. Allow me to explain. About a year ago we got our first take out from LH. As I grew up surrounded by many different cultures, I was sooooo disappointed. I told my other half that the food was awful and that it all tasted like sweet and sour sauce. I was informed by neighbours and others that lived nearby, that I had probably just had a bad experience, however, I know what effects MSG gives also, how can five dishes taste the same? Impossible! That said, their chicken and prawn balls are lovely!! Ohh, in case you are wondering, I did call back to complain this last time...I asked why the chicken satay didn 't have peanuts in it....she said ' 'chicken satay with satay sauce ' ' then I asked ' 'why does the chicken satay I bought taste of sweet and sour sauce? ' ' she said ' 'chicken sweet and sour with sweet and sour sauce ' '. Soooo as I got nowhere and I just said ' 'how about using some peanuts with your satay sauce and don 't use any MSG? ' ' In the end I had a delicious meal of cheese on toast!!! :"