Vibrant with contemporary flair, the Barbacoa in Mersey View is the-archetypal urban hotspot offering live music and other entertainment options. Of course, the undeniably appealing menus of broadly sourced dishes underline the festive spirit. Interiors of wood, chrome and blue upholstery cast an ambience of sleekness and calm.

The à la carte selection offers contemporary fare with such delectables as cod cheeks wrapped in pancetta, beef koftas, balls of risotto filled with Mrs. Kirkham's Lancashire, smoked haddock, native lobster, surf and turf and slow cooked lamb shank. For vegetarians, quorn can be used instead of chicken where indicated. The carvery menu on Sundays has traditional freshly cooked meats with all the trimmings and potatoes, seasonal vegetables, sauces and condiments. A lounge bar menu offers warps, skillets, burgers and steaks too. To call it a day on a sweet note, there's a choice of vanilla pannacotta, Cartmel Village sticky toffee pudding and crêpe Suzette.

Let the evening crystalise with the help of an effervescent cocktail or two, be it Manhattan, Bounty, Purple Haze or Fuzzy Navel. A range of beers, wines and spirits are also on offer.