The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite

This is by far my most favourite ’pub with rooms’ ever. It was made for me, and almost perfect in every way - from the lovely warm welcome ( thank you……) the simply styled and beautifully furnished rooms (we stayed in ‘Peake’) to the stunning simple beauty of the location, and the gorgeous perfectly crafted food, the lovely atmosphere, and the staff (Alice - perfect in every way too). The gardens are beautifully situated to catch the best of the sun (or the shade if you prefer) at any and all times of the day. At dinner the chicken parfait delivers, the medallions of beef were tender, tasty, and beautifully cooked, and the cheese soufflé magnificently sublime. I wish I could live here, Lancashire at its very, very best, we loved it all, and will definitely return. PS. Left my iPad behind, really grateful to Judith for efficiently organising speedy return, thank you!

Lovely tranquil location. Beautiful decor and friendly staff that really make you feel special. Cozy atmosphere with log fires for those colder nights. Food is 5 stars you must try the soufflé either the cheese for starter or the banana for sweet or BOTH ! Well stocked bar for me this place ticks all the boxes. With plenty of parking the Punch Bowl is not to be missed. For a romantic meal or a special occasion you will not be disappointed. PLEASE NOTE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.

The pub was suggested by a local friend for a Thursday lunchtime. A party of four. Two older gents in their late 60’s, a 55 year old woman and 18 year old lad. We were greeted warmly arriving before our host and offered the menu to browse. The staff were friendly. Menu small but varied. Cheese soufflés and soups for starters - the cheese soufflé was highly recommended by the host who declare it the best he’s ever had, it came with a spinach bed and met high expectations. The confit of duck leg was exquisite. The chicken schnitzel - well there’s not that much a chef can do with this dish - it was slightly dull but the chicken was moist and not stringy and the little side salad with pine nuts and Parmesan very tasty. We joked about Americans we’d heard asking for gravy for a schnitzel in Austria (by the waiters reaction this was clearly sacrilege) but actually I could see why they’d ales for it. The atmosphere was good, tables nicely spread out, quietly piped music - Simon and Garfunkel and incongruously songs from Grease! Starters £9-13 Mains £17-25. We didn’t have puddings. We had coffees at the end - lattes which could have been much hotter. Overall a lovely meal in a good atmosphere and quiet location.

My son has just had his wedding here. What an amazing day. You honestly could not fault the staff, they were so helpful and caring. The food was spectacular. They really looked after us all. Well done the Punchbowl xxx

I can't thank the Punchbowl enough!! They hosted our wedding and all I can say is what a lovely set up these guys have the staff couldn't be more helpful to make our day as special as it was, they went above and beyond they really did. The food was amazing they managed to keep our party happy whilst also attending to the resturant. Would highly recommend the food and hotel Judith and her staff are awesome!!!!

Tonight, I have ordered a sirloin steak, medium well, served with mushroom and tomato and chips. I requested salad instead of the chips. When my meal arrived, my steak was over cooked and I was served a very very tiny portion of salad (a few green leaves as shown on the photo). I would expect a slightly bigger portion of salad and a perfect steak cooked medium well. I didn’t bother to complain and I thought I would share my thoughts here. Service was good though. I am visiting here from London and I won’t be eating in this restaurant when I visit here again

We ate in the restaurant on the last night of a first time trip to the Lake District and it was quite honestly one of the best meals we've ever had. ||Staff were fantastic, the food was amazing and the setting was just gorgeous. We really enjoyed ourselves.

We came here for dinner as a large group. The welcome was so warm, friendly and fun! The space is beautifully decorated and so comfortable. The starters were exception, the cheese souflé, the steak tartare and scallops were all absolutely delicious! The children’s food was also very good which is so refreshing! I do feel that the main course, though good, options don’t match the incredible quality and taste of the starters. We sadly didn’t have time to try deserts but I imagine that the banana souflé must also be very good! Overall it was a really special experience! Thank you!