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A very English menu draws heavily upon local ingredients, starting with the fresh local shrimps potted with a little butter, gin and nutmeg and served with hot buttered toast, or cream of tomato and butternut squash soup with croutons and chopped parsley.

There is only one thing better than lamb reared on fell sides - and that is lamb that has lived its life on a salt marsh, more especially the marshes bordering the estuary on the nearby Holker Estate, and the roast rack of lamb served with a red wine sauce and fresh rosemary at the Bay Horse is superb. Leaving on one side the temptation of fresh Scottish salmon, marinaded with limes, ginger and soy sauce, then pan fried in lemon and herb butter, many may find the strips of Aberdeen Angus fillet steak, fried with red chilli peppers and spring onions, then glazed with honey, calvados and raspberry vinegar to be totally beyond resistance.

Puddings are a strength here, starting with the Cape Brandy pudding with cream, an exercise in sheer indulgence. The chocolate truffles served with the excellent coffee hammer home the point and even if they don't there is always the homemade shortbread.

For over nine years, Amigos restaurant has been offering authentic Mexican fare at the historic market of Ulverston. A range of hot and spicy dishes including huge helpings of traditional food such as nachos, steaks, ribs, tortillas and fajitas - the house speciality - have made this venue popular among locals and visitors alike.

Start with hongos con crema, juicy mushrooms pan-fried with fresh chillies, garlic and double cream accompanied by fresh crusty bread, before moving on to a 10 oz lamb steak marinated in fiery peri peri sauce, served on roasted diced garlic and herb potatoes and onion rings. Those who prefer seafood can order fresh yellow fin tuna diced and gently sautéed with chipotle chillies, red onion, coriander and sour cream with crisp taco shells, salsa, shredded lettuce, avocado and black olives.

The restaurant features a cellar bar where international wines, beers and spirits as well as tequilas and cocktails are provided.

Eden Lodge could well bring a smile to your face with its pretty water lily covered pond and views of magnificent Morecambe Bay or the picturesque Ulverston Golf Course. Located at the southern end of this beautiful English Lake district, the Edwardian building with its contemporary interiors and mature parklands is a relaxing haven of sorts, with its serene surroundings and luxurious accommodation. Food at their laidback restaurant is remarkably delicious, featuring local fare with a simple twist. Wooden furniture, comfy sofas add to an overall indulgent experience.

Fresh produce features in dishes such as a pork and apricot terrine with sage and apple chutney followed by a main course of seared loin of Atlantic tuna with petit ratatouille and a tomato and oregano sauce. Finishing touches include a milk chocolate mousse set in vanilla sponge with orange anglais. The excellent wine list seems to offer a wide variety of choices between the Old and New World.

Thai food with western touches may have many takers, but if you've lived in Thailand and love to taste some authentic cuisine, minus the frills, then step in to The Thai Temple. Situated in the lovely Lake District market town of Ulverston, the contemporary styling is not a break from all things Thai, thanks to the statuettes of two pretty Thai ladies with their hand clasped in a welcoming gesture, and a miniature banana tree at the entrance.

The wok-fried fillet of haddock topped with a sweet and spicy sauce, and tiger prawns in a yellow curry with spring onions, celery and bell pepper are a house speciality, while the deep-fried marinated chicken wings and spicy Thai fish cakes vie for your attention in the starters section. For desserts there are slices of fresh mango served with sticky rice and topped with a sweet coconut sauce, and banana fritters with vanilla ice cream.