Brook House Inn

We ended up staying for Sunday lunch after stopping in for a quick drink with our daughter after visiting Hardknott Fort. The roast smelled too good to pass up. It was just the thing after a cold summit, with the log fire going and a chance to say hello to the locals and their dog, who I think was called Max and is apparently famous. We had the recommended pale ale, fresh and citrusy, with roast beef. If you're nearby and need a stop, put this place on your list.

The whisky selection and its tasting notes were amazing, and the setting was beautiful. We'd eaten all over the Lake District that week, but this was easily our best meal. The service was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable, and everything was beautifully presented. We started with scallops and Thai fishcakes with coconut sauce, then had Chicken Supreme and Chicken Madras. A rare find. We'll be back.

We came for a late lunch and found a warm, cosy atmosphere and really lovely staff. The beef was good, and we all enjoyed the ice cream, but the cauliflower seemed to have been defrosted and left sitting in water. It was also served separately and charged at £4 each. We had a nice meal overall. I wouldn't make a special drive here, but if we were passing through and hungry, we'd come back for the beef.

We were staying nearby and came back twice because the food was so good. We tried sea bass, steak pie, STP, and chocolate and cherry torte, and all of it was fabulous. This is the best place to eat around here. The bar staff were really good too, and I'd definitely recommend a visit.