Wheatsheaf at Brigsteer, The

The Wheatsheaf at Brigsteer is an old whitewashed pub, with a look that makes you reminisce about the days when local riders to hounds would celebrate a successful day with copious quantities of food and drink. This free house in picturesque Brigsteer, three miles from bustling Kendal, was a focal point for the local hunt for many years after it opened its doors in 1762 and has been an integral part of the tiny Lakeland hamlet ever since.

Their staff always extend a warm welcome and then follow that by delivering friendly and attentive service. What started as three cottages and a shoeing room for horses is now known for the quality of its classic British dishes, all created with an appealing contemporary twist, embracing the finest locally sourced produce, meat and game. Their reasonably priced, genuinely flavoursome and fresh food, created with flair by Chef Carl Semple, should never fail to delight customers.

Recently renovated, as a result it exudes a more contemporary and cosy restaurant feel, with polished oak floors and classy handcrafted bistro-style tables and chairs. If guests wish to stay over, the Wheatsheaf has three comfortable AA four-star rated ensuite bedrooms.

The proudly Cumbrian menu, which has helped them to achieve recognition in the Michelin Guide and gained them an AA rosette, features dishes such as shredded confit duck leg, fresh summer leaf salad and plum chutney, scallops with caper and raisin puree, and a wonderful terrine of pressed salmon and Morecambe Bay shrimps in a lemon and dill dressing. The concentration is on the sheer quality of the food and its preparation, as evidenced by a steamed suet pudding of local rabbit and wood pigeon or the Cumbrian rabbit with braised leeks, shortcrust pastry and mustard cream. Look out for their daily specials on the chalkboard.

Amongst other choices, their pan-fried sea bass fillets with wild garlic and woodland mushroom risotto on the side are tremendously popular. Traditional favourites of crispy slow roast pork belly with buttery mash, honey roast carrots, caramelised white onions and sage prove why The Wheatsheaf in sleepy Brigsteer has become renowned for expertly prepared food with a reputation that only gets better with time.

Desserts include baked egg custard with rhubarb, mini doughnuts served with cinnamon sugar and vanilla ice cream, and a mouth-watering lavender crème brûlée. The pub has two real ale hand pumps and offers frequently changing local ales, a range of other beers and lager and a sensible wine list that matches the cuisine.

The lunch and early evening menu are excellently priced at around £12 for two courses. For menu changes and other information do check their Website.