SRDT (4 November 2009)

I've now been there twice - first time for a business breakfast, sadly this was a special event and the restaurant is not currently open for breakfasts - the bacon especially was out of this world, and second for a late weekday lunch today. I had the Cumbrian mutton curry with black bean dal and basmati rice and my girlfriend had the pumpkin, leek and bean stew. Mine was possibly the best curry I have ever eaten - spicy yet subtly flavoured. The meat was also tender and had a great flavour. Beer - a lager from Cains, the brewery only half a mile away, was as good as GQ thinks it is the best beer in the UK - if only more pubs served this rather than Carling or Fosters. It wasn't busy so the atmosphere wasn't buzzing but it is still a pleasant place to eat even if you're the only one there. The service was prompt but not in your face and all the staff seem friendly but not falsely so. It isn't the cheapest meal you'll ever eat but I've paid far more for far less in the past, and let’s be honest, who really expects to have a good meal at those pubs and eateries that offer two meals for £7?

Beware - the temptation to go downstairs and buy the mouth-watering array of food that is great. If you do you'll see why the restaurant's food is so good as you'll recognise many of the ingredients. Absolutely unmissable if you believe in quality, often local, ingredients served up by genuine and talented chefs. If you want to impress foodies or clients or just want to have a pleasant lunch that you know will be quality this is one of the best in the North West and probably in the UK.