Sugarvine

< Photo (1 of 4) >

Located in the sprawling Parish of Ousby, at the foot of Cross Fell the highest peak in the Pennines. The Fox Inn is a great choice for bikers and travellers on the 'Coast to Coast route to stop on the way to Hartside and the pub sits opposite the Crossfell Camping site. The 18thC Coaching Inn is warm and friendly with open fires, real ales, darts and pool. Two lady chefs cook homemade comfort food including the ever popular slow braised shoulder dish Lamb Henry and their signature dish Chicken Leoni has them coming from miles around. With everything made here from scratch, they can cater for all dietary requirements including Coeliacs. Sunday lunch is rammed with 2 courses at £10.95. They host live music nights once a month as well as Bingo and Quiz nights. Open every night for meals serving 6pm - 9pm and Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

< Photo (1 of 19) >

The George and Dragon at Clifton, near Penrith, is described by the proprietor as ‘where history and enterprise combine serving seasonal, organic produce from the Lowther Estate’. The reincarnation of this pub is the brainchild of the Countess of Lonsdale’s son, Charles Lowther, whose family own Lowther Castle, the estate and 70 surrounding farms. He is a young man from a family with hundreds of years of history and this is reflected in the George and Dragon, which balances tradition and modernity both in the menu and in the ambience. The venue is light and airy with rustic furnishings, modern colours and evidence of the Lowther Family’s storied history adorning the walls. There is a restaurant on one side, a pub/bar on the other and 10 newly renovated bedrooms upstairs. One of the most appealing things about the George and Dragon – especially if you care about the environment and where your food comes from – is that all the food on offer comes from the farms surrounding the estate, including shorthorn beef, roe deer and organic chicken and lamb. They even forage for mushrooms and berries on land nearby. The kitchen brigade has a substantial pedigree and the a la carte menu changes monthly. Typical dishes might include Organic chicken and chestnut linguini and Nord Vue sausage with parsnip mash, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. The George and Dragon is featured in a number of 2010 guide books such as The Good Food Guide, Sawday’s Pubs and Inns and Michelin’s Eating out in Pubs Guide and has been awarded a four star rating by Visit Britain. Awards | Good Food Guide 2

Philosophy | Pub & Restaurant | Rooms

Photo (1 of 1)

This idyllic Ullswater retreat for many sets the standard in luxurious Lakeland living. It was here, in this remote northeast corner of the Lakes, that Francis Coulson and Brian Sack together invented the concept of the English Country House hotel more than fifty years ago. And really not a great deal has changed in the intervening years. Sharrow Bay, with its 12 acres of private grounds, sublime views, sumptuous furnishings and impeccable service, remains an isolated haven, far from the madding crowds of the South Lakes. The restaurant recently retained its Michelin star for the 11th successive year and boasts one of the best wine lists in the country. Awards | 1 Michelin Star | 2 AA Rosettes | Good Food Guide 6

< Photo (1 of 12) >

The Station Hotel is in the centre of Penrith, very close to the train station. Although this impressive three-storey hostelry has been there since 1890, the new owners have done a fantastic job of turning the Station into one of Penrith’s premier venues. It’s a hotel, restaurant and public house and has recently undergone a total refurb giving the place a contemporary feel. Food is the main focus of this venue and they use locally sourced fresh ingredients. The landlord describes it as pub food with a twist and the steak & ale pie is one to try. The pub has a great Winter Warmer menu with 9 home made dishes all excellent value at under £7 each – great for those on a budget or if you just want a snack. The Station Hotel has a great family atmosphere, encouraged by the landlady who is a bubbly hostess, and kids can even indulge in the Little Adults carvery. It has eight bedrooms, big-screen TV, pool and free wifi.

Food | The Bar | The Rooms

Photo (1 of 1)

Once a coaching inn, as the archway through to the original stables testifies, Appleby’s Tufton Arms takes its name from the lord of the manor of this characterful Eden Valley market town. It’s an upmarket three-star hotel with 22 bedrooms, some of which are magnificently appointed. Downstairs there is a public bar, residents’ lounges and a plush contemporary restaurant where the traditional British menu offers both basic and more sophisticated options. All produce is locally sourced and two wonderful signature dishes are the saddle of lamb and the sirloin of beef which is carved from a serving trolley at the table, bringing real theatre to the dining experience. The Tufton Arms is a great spot for Sunday lunch and the proprietor is passionate about a wine list of upwards of 200 bins, ranging from £12 to £250 a bottle. Appleby is a great place for both its historical interest and country pursuits and the Tufton Arms caters for lots of shooting and fishing parties. Check the website for an up-to-date list of events.

Menu | Wine List