Our 'Eating Out in Keswick' mini guide

There are a plethora of places to eat out in Keswick. Some are good and some are not so good. One problem that seems to have crept in recently is that some venues have taken their eye off the ball and are seemingly unaware that their standards have dropped. There are that many visitors to Keswick that, for some, it doesn't matter if they don't get any repeat custom.

So we would like to take this opportunity to mention a few of our recommendations for eating out whilst you are staying at our B&B. I have also provided contact numbers so that you can book in advance to avoid being disappointed as they can get rather busy.

Restaurants

Morrels - this is one of the best restaurants in town without a shadow of a doubt. Very good food and excellent service. They have not rested on their laurels and we have never had a bad meal here. They do a Sunday evening special which is very good value. Always busy and booking is a definite requirement. 017687 72666. They are just a few minutes walk away here

Casa Bella - A very good spot just around the corner from us. Virtually always jam packed which has got to be a good reflection. They have substantially improved over the years and have also expanded. They do fantastic ice cream, which is home made on the premises, and you can have that as dessert, to eat in their gellateria or to take away in a cone. 017687 75575. They are not far away at all here

The Lodore Falls Hotel - It's out of town but is worth the visit. A spendid building in a spectacular setting. Very traditional in atmosphere but refreshingly modern in the menu department. A brill option is to take the Keswick Launch across the lake and walk from the landing to the hotel (5 mins) and go for Sunday lunch (4 courses + coffee £16.95) and then get the launch back to Keswick again. A real treat. 017687 77285. NOTE - there are times of year when the Lake is a little bit too low for the launch to get to the Lodore Falls landing. In which case why not take the open top bus or walk along the lake shore? Makes a great day out. They are here

Luca's Ristorante and Pizzeria - Having always heard good reports we eventually managed to get to this restaurant. It has a really nice atmosphere and well prepared food but the plates don't half make a racket when they are plonked down on the tables. Apart from that we were suitably impressed. 017687 74621. They are just the other side of town and can be found here

Pubs

There are any number of pubs providing the usual prawn cocktail / scampi and chips / sticky toffee pudding menu but there are also a few that have a little bit more flair and imagination.

The Pheasant - it's on the outskirts of town but the walk there is very pleasant, especially if you go along the river or through the park (we'll give you directions). Really good food and a well thought out menu. 017687 72219. They are here

The Dog & Gun - cosy atmosphere but it can get a little busy. Their Goulash is legendary. In the market square here. 017687 73463.

The George - Another great venue with bags of character. You can either have pub food at your table in the bar area or go through to the dining room area for a more formal sit down approach. Mostly good but it can vary. 017687 72076. They are just before you enter the market square here

The Royal Oak - Originally an 18th Century Coaching House this pub benefits from a great location and has retained plenty of character. You can enjoy pub food at your table in the bar area and sample their selection of fine ales. Booking advised. 017687 74584. They are just before you enter the market square here

Spicey

Lakeland Spice Cuisine is the best curry house in the National Park. Enough said. 017687 80005. They are here

Golden Hills. Great Chinese restaraunt. Very busy. They may not take advance bookings but it is worth ringing to check. Failing that turn up earlier rather than later. 017687 73165. They are here

Bar eS - Mexican style menu which you can have as a restaurant style main meal affair if you are pre booked and upstairs or as tapas if you turn up and there is availability downstairs. Very good and I've always been presently surprised that I can get so full of food and beer and that the bill is never too much of a shock. 017687 75222. They are not far away at all and are here

The Star of Siam - this venue has recently changed to being a Thai restaurant. We were very pleasantly surprised. Very good food by a Thai chef in a nice atmosphere with good service for a fairly decent price. They also do a great lunchtime menu where you get to try a number of dishes. 017687 71444. They are just the other side of town here

Cafe's

There are a whole host of cafes in town but there are 2 that are better than the others.

Pumpkin Cafe - It's changed hands but still providing great deli style food. The coffee is not as good as it used to be (they changed supplier a while back before it changed hands and it's not my, well, cup of tea) but the soups and smoothies are great with freshly prepared stuff for lunch. Take out or eat in upstairs.They are here

The Square Orange - A really good cafe / bar. Great coffee and teas in a great setting and nice atmosphere. Really good for reading the Sunday papers over a coffee. They also do Pizzas, paninis and Tapas. Highly recommended. They are here

There are plenty of other places to eat out and we would really appreciate your views and in particular any recommendations.

Happy eating.