The Cross Keys Inn - Menu

Askham Hall

➤ Askham Hall, CA10 2PF, Eden, United Kingdom

Coffee • Dining • British • European

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"A property has stood on this site since the 13th century, with much of the present building being built in the late 1580s. It came into the possession of the Earls of Lonsdale in the 1830s and was the home of the 7th Earl until his death in 2006. It remained in the ownership of his widow who oversaw its conversion to boutique hotel and restaurant. I mention the history only because the whole ambiance of the public space shouts it at you – from the heraldic symbols on the walls to the shabby (not “shabby chic” condition of the furnishings in the lounge. You would never be in any doubt that you were having dinner in a stately home., even though the restaurant space feels quite modern, with a large window between kitchen and dining room. That means you can watch the chefs at work when conversation flags (as it almost certainly will over the coming hours . Unsurprisingly for a Michelin starred restaurant, food is by way of a no choice, six course, tasting menu. Be prepared for this to take a good three hours, with aperitifs and coffee – there can be long gaps between courses. The three front of house staff were very much on the ball. In particular the young female sommelier, starting out on her career, was first rate – knowledgeable and engaging. There were a couple of single bit canapes, served with the aperitif but, to be honest, I can’t recall what they were. Once in the dining room, bread was served quickly. A housemade sourdough pain de campagne, with organic butter. It was delicious and not a crumb was left – not least because it was all we got to eat for quite a while. The first course may, possibly, have been the best thing I ate all evening. It was their take on lobster thermidor. Bits of lobster, soft leeks, dice of crisp apple, the freshness of lovage and a cheese topping using Montgomery cheddar. You might have thought that using such a mature cheese would overpower the more delicate flavours but it stayed just about on the right side. The restaurant makes a great play on the provenance of the food. Much of the fruit and vegetables come from their own kitchen garden and some of the meats from their own farm. So, the garden provided a salad – Nicola potatoes, served warm, pickled beetroot, baby carrots, confit tomatoes and leaves, with dots of sheep’s curd acting as a dressing. A fish course next. It’s halibut from a fish farm in Scotland – if ever you come across halibut on a menu these days, it’s pretty much guaranteed to come from the farm on the Isle of Gigha. It’s perfectly cooked and comes with oyster mushrooms, greens, fennel and a Morecambe Bay shrimp sauce. Then the only dish of the evening which failed to please us. Rough Fell lamb is breed native to Cumbria but, disappointingly, it was chewy and just not very nice – much of it was left. A real pity, as the accompaniments of tomato, courgette, crispy potato and tarragon flavoured sauce, were all spot on. We were asked how we found it and told them (that brought an apology and a subsequent adjustment to the bill . Pre-dessert was excellent. Sweet cicely and cucumber, with crème fraiche and the only real sweetness coming from shards of caramelised white chocolate. The dessert plate that followed was also not too sweet – berries, lemon verbena cream, a sharpness from elderflower vinegar, topped with a macaroon, with it all surrounded by a puddle of strawberry “soup”. We finished a long evening with coffee and good petit fours – chocolate bon-bon, pate de fruit (that’s posh jelly to you and me and a small cube of fudge."

Grants Of Castlegate Wine Bar

➤ 54 CastleGate, CA11 7HY, Eden, United Kingdom

Steak • Vegan • British • Vegetarian

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"prices for restaurant review. I came in grants as part of a party of 22 people who were all there to celebrate an 18th birthday. we were warmly added to the restaurant, which was not huge, but had a nice cozy feeling. the waitress took our drink orders and made us comfortable in the small lounge/bar area. because of the large number of guests, the chef has kindly asked us to preorder our meal, which we could do more than gladly. I chose to start a prawn avocado salat, followed by duck in a plant sauce and then sticky toffee pudding. my Prawn salad looked delicious when he was introduced to me. to my surprise, along with the garnish and cut avocado, there was also a little laugh! Although the salmon was tinted, he gave the sweet and juicy garnel a beautiful taste depth. the fish and avocado worked nicely together and offer a mix of arome and textures. many of the guests chose a starter of black pudding and haggis croquettes that looked fantastic. it was well presented and tasty. for the main course I chose the duck with a vegetable sauce – the duck was delicious and was perfectly seasoned. the only problem that I had was it the duck was ever cooked over for my lust, but I looked over because it tasted fantastic! the soße that accompanied the duck was exquisite, she had fruity, sweet and hearty notes and was the perfect accompaniment to the duck. beside the duck were also sewn potato, which were great, perfectly boiled and well flavored. Moreover, there were carrots served with fennel kernels – now, in no great lover of anis, but I enjoyed the delicate fennel taste with well cooked carrots. finaly, they served roasted beet root, which was cooked in a mixture of cumin, honey and red wine. the mixture of strong aromes, which coat the beet root, proved too much and exaggerated the soft and delicate taste of the beet root. it also did not work with the duck and was not particularly pleasant. other guests had sea bass for their main – the fish was perfectly cooked, falling away from the fork and melting in the mouth. the other option was pork with risotto – the pork looked dry, but was actually juicy and well flavored. the risotto was also perfectly cooked, well seasoned and creamy. for dessert I had the ever-popular Cumbrian fantasy, sticky toffee pudding. we cambrians have expected big dings of sticky toffee puddings, and this has certainly met these expectations! the deep, sweet, sticky aromas were excellent and were well rounded with vanilla ice cream. the proven taste combination worked as always very well. my only degree was that it wasn't enough of it! other guests had eton mess – although well presented in a high glass, the dessert seemed to be obstinate and saw without the most important ingredient – meringue! per person, the bill came around £25 (three cursor meal including wein.) I thought this was very expensive, although it would be fair to say the proportions are somewhat too small for what they pay. still my experience with grants was excellent! the nice, attentive staff felt very welcome and the food was excellent. I'll go back."

The Lemon Tree Cafe Bistro

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

Cafe • Steak • Coffee • Cheese

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"Stopped off here for lunch on way home to Scotland, having good memories of this cafe from a visit several years ago. We were glad to find that it was still open and serving a wide variety of meal and snack options including lots of gluten free choices which pleased my husband who has coeliac disease. Fresh home-made food at excellent prices, and licensed too!"

Woodstone Pizza Grill

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

Pizza • Steak • Vegan • British

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"We've been there twice with the whole family last weekend, we tried 4 different pizzas, 2 types of pasta, steak, kebab, chicken wings, ice cream and caramel cheesecake and we absolutely enjoyed all of them. The staff were also quite friendly and we had a very pleasant experience. We'll definitely go back there the next time we visit Penrith and we're looking forward to trying the Keswick branch as well. Service: Dine in"

George and Dragon

➤ Clifton CA10 2ER, Eden, United Kingdom

Pubs • British • Breakfast • Traditional Cuisine

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"Young chap with blonde hair (don't know his name) behind the bar was very nice. We went 2 nights in succession, once in the restaurant, once in the bar area. Food was delicious and beautifully presented. There was a tv which was thankfully off and background music which was just that, so good for us. It was tastefully decoated and furnished. Overall ambience of upmarket and quality. The weather was abominable and we went at night so can't comment on the outside. We didn't use the toilets. We would certainly return."