Reviews in Penrith

Excellent menu, with specials, lively Italian style, friendly staff, great fun, great food, good value

Having recently moved into the area, finding this pub as our local is a delight. It's welcome is always warm and personal, the beers are well kept, the food is excellent with a good solid menu and some inventive specials. Nice beer garden for sunny days. Well done to Ben and Jen who have recently taken over.

After reading the glowing reports on sugarvine about this pub i thought I'd give it a go so booked a table last saturday 28th June. I must say I really enjoyed it although it was very busy the standard of food was excellent. I had the Grilled Anchovies with Fresh Rocket & Parmesan for my starter & my partner enjoyed the Homemade Chicken Liver Pate which was very tasty. We then had the Duck Breast with a Blueberry Jus & a Fantastic Sirloin Steak which they hang there at the pub for at least 30days, we couldn't resist trying it once we'd read the description! The homemade chips with the Sirloin were the best Id tasted! Couldn't manage a dessert each so as instructed by the previous person that recommended the Black Swan we had a Lemon Tart between us and it was lovely. They are starting a Smoke House but unfortunately did not have anything ready for the specials board on saturday - I was told they were smoking things this week so I might be back to give it a go. The Staff were very attentive, the two young ladies in the restaurant although very busy made sure everything was just right & the young lady hosting was very friendly and had everything under control. A lovely hassle free meal in smart, clean surroundings!

The Black Swan is friendly & traditional the food is spot on! I particularly enjoy my slowly roasted pork belly with a Sultana, Ginger & Fresh Herb Dressing! Delicious! I really liked the fact that everything is local, homemade & fresh - the Lemon Tart is a must! Accommodation is outstanding much more than you would expect from a "pub". The Staff are so helpful, I would recommend the Black Swan to anyone wanting a relaxing break either on their own or with a partner. Ask for room 1 - Pea Top its perfect!

Undoubtedly the best Indian food and genuine Indian knowledge in the area! The place to go if you want an actual Indian meal with actual Indian service! No where better!

I had the misfortune to visit this place in May 2008. The bar service was poor . The beer was flat We only had bar meals ie two sandwiches and small a portion of chips which cost £2.45. The pub owners in Cumbria think they can rip off passing motorists without them batting an eyelid. Think again

Nice atmosphere and great food!Live music played on some dates.

I worked at the Lowther Arms for sometime and it is one of the best pubs to eat in Penrith. The food is just great and there is a wide selection so everyone can be happy! I love the giant Yorkshire pudding, yum yum! It also has a great feel to it, it is like how pubs used to be!

Went for a 20 booked family Sunday lunch in December 2007. Found the service very slow between courses, the portions small and cold, the gravy tasteless. The sweet choice was limited and the custard was school thick lumpy and cold. All the meals had something wrong, veg over cooked and soft etc. Advised at the bar when paying not happy and no discount offered, not interested so will not be going back.

We spotted The Herdwick's website and made a booking for a cosy weekend break and was not let down. Well appointed rooms, friendly staff, cosy atmosphere in the bar and great food in the restaurant and change in my pocket too. A great weekend and we would advise all to make a visit

The service was immpeccable. I was greatly impressed with both the food and the quality of service; the waitresses always had a friendly smile. The atmosphere was very welcoming and i enjoyed my meal greatly.

dunno whats happened to this place. 2 years ago i visited and really enjoyed. This time poor service microwaved food and in general i felt like my being there was putting staff out. Noticed that the pub across the road is now doing food ( station hotel) and on speaking to some locals have discovered that its now the place to go for food in town. Am back in a couple of weeks and will give it a go.

A very warm and friendly atmosphere. Cosy real fires in the bar as well as the dining room. Worth many more future visits.

Visited 14/11/07 after reading a write up in a Good Pub Guide and glad we did. The staff especially the lady behind the bar were extremely polite, friendly and smiled. The food was delicious.. we opted for the monkfish tails with rocket salad and lemon mayonnaise and smoked haddock with poached egg and grain mustard sauce followed by wild strawberry creme brulee (nearly as good as Nicks (Bolton). The prices were slightly more than what you would normally pay for a pub lunch but worth every penny. Its a good place to stop off at if you are travelling up or down the M6 - if only we lived closer! Would definitely recommend a visit.. cant believe we are the first to write a review

Dougs Diner to me makes the best cooked breakfast around, well worth a visit if you are on the M6 and heading North or South.

We were the first table of the night so I expected better than we got, really. My minted lamb shoulder was burnt on the bottom and to the side and gravy was strangely tasteless. My husband received a lovely large piece of haddock but this was let down by the frozen chips it came with. My sons pizza was burnt. Deserts were very nice though. Came to £48 for two adult mains, 2 childrens mains (deserts included), 1 desert, 2 pints lager and 2 cokes.

Microwave meals served at horrendous prices. I had a deep fried sausage with bisto gravy and microwaved mash. My childrens meals were equally as disgusting so I made them leave them and went elsewhere! Truly the worst place in the village!

roast lamb was excellent as was the homemade rhubarb pie