FOREIGN AFFAIRS - Carta

La Casita

➤ 9 Queen Street, Penrith I-CA11 7XF, United Kingdom

Carta • Sushi • Pizza • Cafés • Asiatic

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"Service was great, place was lovely but really disappointed in the food. The ingredients were clearly good quality but there was no zing, seasoning was absent. Options on the menu read really well innovative and interesting but the cooking was a million miles away from the good quality meals we have enjoyed in Spain. The belly pork was chewy, not slow cooked and rendered, the zarzuela was acceptable. I didnt have any fried options and that might have made a difference. All the plates came out at the same time rather than in a trickle. If I had had the four tapas option midweek then I might have been happy but at full price this was a miss. I will give it another chance but at the moment its not a go to place. Vegetarian options: Actually thought the vegi options were quite good considering."

The Lemon Tree Cafe Bistro

➤ Devonshire Arcade, CA11 7SX, Eden, United Kingdom

Carta • Cafe • Steak • Coffee • Cheese

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"After searching for a place for lunch with gluten and dairy free options, we found the Lemon Tree as a place to go on our first trip to Penrith. We met up with a friend for coffee/tea there, and decided to go back for lunch. The staff were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable on their allergens, even pointing out that the tartare sauce had cream in after it was ordered. Two of us had the steak, vegetables and fried potatoes, and one had the sea-bass, vegetables and boiled potatoes, all off the specials menus for the day. It was nice to have a choice of mains for the gluten and dairy free, and the food was all freshly cooked and hot. The gluten and dairy free orange and almond cake was home made and delicious, as was the home made fruit bread and butter (this could also have been gluten free as an option). For drinks, the home made lemonade was amazing, as was the oat milk latte, and the tea was a generous pot of strong brew with separate water served. We would very happily go back there again any time we are in Penrith."

The Cross Keys Inn

➤ Carleton Village, Penrith, United Kingdom, Eamont Bridge

Carta • Cafés • Grill • Coffee • Asiatic

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"The food took a while to arrive but it was very tasty. The halloumi fries were excellent! And the steak and ale pie was delicious. The dining area upstairs is very nice and cosy, with a balcony and panoramic views which must be amazing to enjoy in the summer. Price per person: £20–30 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4"

Woodstone Pizza Grill

➤ Princes Street, Eden, United Kingdom, CA11 7BQ

Carta • Pizza • Steak • Vegan • British

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"Great dining experience! The food was delicious and the perfect way to refuel after a day of hiking. We started with the large prawn cocktail and BBQ bonanza, followed by a 15-inch 50/50 pizza that we couldn't finish so we got a doggy box for the leftovers. Everything was made fresh in-house and the staff were fantastic, making our evening very enjoyable. Highly recommend this restaurant."

Queens Head Tirril

➤ Tirril, Nr Penrith Penrith, CA10 2JF, United Kingdom

Carta • Inn • Pubs • Coffee • British

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"We had drinks in here on one night of our holiday and it was lovely. Really cosy feel and the drinks were lovely, so we decided to book a table for the following night for the pub quiz. When we arrived we sat for nearly half an hour before a food order was taken, I had some specific allergy requests which were initially handled well and it was agreed that the dish could be altered. However when the starter arrived, I was told that they had forgotten my allergy and was the food they were serving okay or not. The starters were nice and then we waited almost an additional hour before the mains were served. We had to ask staff on a few occasions before the food was finally served. The fish and chips I had ordered was completely overcooked and the lamb stew had 2 small pieces of lamb in it. They had forgotten side dishes we had ordered and we had to wait additional time for these. The waiting staff were lovely and out of 6 mains, 4 were fine. The manager did comp our 2 poor mains and we received an apology and were reassured this wasn't there normal food service. Its just a shame we were only there for 2 days so couldn't try again another day."