Eating Out

In terms of eating out there are a variety of local pubs which do good pub food.

Our favourite is The Royal Oak at West Curthwaite (CA7 8BG) tel: 01228 710 219 has a bar and restaurant and is very popular; you will need book in advance.

There is also the Joiners Arms at Newton Arlosh, (CA7 5ET) tel: 01697 351470, offering traditional food with a twist. With a pool table and darts and the restaurant is very popular, so once again book in advance to be sure of a meal.

The local favourite for traditional fayre is The Wellington Inn in Great Orton about two miles away tel: 01228 710775.

If you fancy taking your four legged friend with you then give The Greyhound at Burgh-by-Sands a try, tel: 01228 576 579 (CA5 6AN). Dogs are allowed in the bar and it is half way between Edward 1 Monument and The Tranquil Otter.

The Hope and Anchor at Port Carlisle (CA7 5BU) tel: 016973 51460 is very dog friendly with wheel chair accessible bar and restaurant. Great for that Sunday lunch followed by a walk on the Solway.

If what you fancy is a cream tea then visit Orton Grange Farm Shop and Cafe 01228 711410 , which uses locally sourced food for its ploughman's lunch, cakes and sandwiches. Their made on the premises ice cream is well reknowned locally.

The Teza Restaurant (CA1 1RP) is a welcome change from the average curry house fare. tel: 01228 525111

There are also a wide selection of restaurants in Carlisle including the outstanding Number 10, La Pergola Italian Restaurant, Alexandros Greek Restaurant and Davids, as well as some local eateries on Bank Street and Devonshire Street and the usual suspects such as Pizza Express on Lowther Street, Carlisle.

There are numerous takeaways of all types in Carlisle, Botchergate Tandoori on 01228 546953 Golden Pheasant (Chinese) 01228 818111 are two that deliver to The Tranquil Otter.

For something a little different for lunch there is the outstanding Village Bakery at Melmerby near Penrith. The journey to the bakery is a feast in itself. The Highhead Sculpture Valley and cafe or Larch Cottage Nursuries Restaurant are also a great visit.

However if you prefer to have a quiet meal in and want to try locally sourced meat then Mulhollands in Great Orton (CA5 6NA) is the place for you. Meat can be ordered in advance by telephoning Jimmy Mulholland (picture below) on 01228 710298.