The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite

I’m not usually one to write reviews, but we booked The Punch Bowl at Crosthwaite for a special occasion (a 70th birthday) after a recommendation. We booked well in advance and, when I called, I explained it was a typical birthday set-up with balloons etc. On arrival, the staff were welcoming and the atmosphere was nice. The Sunday lunch was enjoyable, however the portions felt on the small side. There was a children’s portion available and, from what we could see, there didn’t seem to be much difference between the standard and child’s size. Unfortunately, the experience changed completely when it came to dessert. We had brought a birthday cake and politely asked if it would be possible to have this instead of ordering desserts, and whether the restaurant could provide plates and (ideally) help light the candles. We also intended to order teas and coffees. At that point the attitude from staff turned cold and unaccommodating. I was told, in exact words: “You don’t come to a restaurant and bring your own food.” I understand some venues have policies that don’t allow outside cake and that’s fine, but it was the tone and the way it was handled that was upsetting and embarrassing. When I asked what the charge would be just for plates, I was made to feel uncomfortable, and a member of staff (possibly the manager) said, “Erm… I don’t know… £20,” as if the figure was simply picked at random. In the end, we didn’t eat the cake there. We just asked if the birthday guest could at least blow out the candles, and I was handed a lighter. We then ordered teas and coffees. For context, our bill was over £250, so this wasn’t about trying to avoid spending money, it was purely the way the situation was handled. To add to it, when paying we asked for the service charge to be removed due to the above and because service had been relatively limited and not very warm (we were only attended to a few times). We were told the service charge was mandatory. When I repeated that we wanted it removed, it was eventually taken off without further issue. If the cake request had been handled politely and clearly (for example, “we can do that, there’s a £X plating fee” or “sorry, we can’t allow outside cake but you’re welcome to do candles”), we would have been happy to pay a reasonable fee. Instead, what should have been a special 70th birthday meal ended with the guest not feeling special at all. A real shame, because it started well, but the lack of warmth and professionalism at the end let it down

We stayed here for 1 night with extended family and children. This place is not child friendly. They charged us an extra £100! to have 2 terrible spring fold out beds with mattress as thin as paper. The bed was very big but very soft. The room is very well appointed and bathrooms are lovely with great hot water shower and bath. The food is not suitable for children and extremely overpriced for what it is. Breakfast was average, dry bacon, overcooked eggs, store bought dry croissants. Fresh juices and fruit was great along with the sausages & other hot food. Overall the rooms & food are Overpriced for what it is. Fantastic short 15min drive to Kendal or Windermere both with plenty of reasonable places to eat and drink.

Came for lunch as we were staying nearby. Food was really nice, and speed of service etc. was good. Only comment is that the atmosphere of the place just felt a bit off. The staff didn’t feel very friendly or welcoming, and it just felt a bit formal and like we couldn’t properly relax, especially considering it was lunchtime. We also took the dog with us, as is advertised as ‘dog friendly’ but reality is they have very limited dog friendly tables and we were made to feel a bit like they didn’t really want the dog there.

Not really that impressive. Room was fancy enough, but the basics were overlooked - blind let in far too much light, bed far too soft, I think mattress is just old. Had both dinner and breakfast there, service a bit forgetful, fussy and lacking in friendliness both times. Food was decent enough quality when it did arrive to be fair. Also quite poor value for money. Perhaps I just had bad luck, but I personally wouldn’t return.

This review is only for the restaurant, I didn’t stay in the hotel. The atmosphere was lovely, and the desserts were excellent. The mains were a little expensive for what they were but the meat was beautifully cooked.

We have eaten here many times over the last 12yrs & never had an issue until last night Saturday 13 December. Service mediocre, food appalling, black pudding starter warm at best, packet made, egg hard boiled….. mains were even worse, sides cold with cauliflower cheese hard, mash broke into pieces, main course lukewarm with my wife’s pea fritter totally cold inside, lamb very underdone ( was never asked at order ), wrong cutlery given….. other local people beside us stated the place really has declined, beer from pumps tasted like cleaner fluid, the list goes on…. Waitress told us the place is for sale & yet another new chef…. Manager away ( Saturday eve in December, really ? ) next in charge just had no customer service etiquette & was very rude at best, almost slamming the dishes when removing with sauce being spilt over furniture. Avoid at all costs until a new owner is found & then it settles back down, a real shame, this was one of our fave go to places !

The Punch Bowl is a lovely small hotel with an excellent restaurant. It is situated in a lovely valley. The room we hadf was a good size and well equipped. It was very quiet! Staff couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. We look forward to staying again.

Brilliant service by all staff, was able to get 3 rooms available last minute and accommodate 6 people with top class food and drinks. Would definitely recommend to anyone heading up near this location!

The food, service, and atmosphere were all superb! I had a delicious cheese soufflé, which was out of this world.

Everything about the Punchbowl will delight you! The rooms are superbly decorated, spacious and comfortable. The food is special (you might as well book dinner for every night you are there IMHO). And the staff is fantastic--friendly and accommodating. I'd return in a split second with any opportunity!

Situated just outside Kendal, the Punch Bowl offers excellent food in either the lounge/bar area or the more formal dining room area. They also have 9 very appointed bedrooms decorated to a high standard. In the summer months you can sit outside taking in the beautiful surroundings. There is ample free parking available.

This place is stunning - lovely setting in an unspoilt valley close to Windermere, gorgeous food and wine and comfortable rooms done up to a high standard. First visited when our friends got married here and have been back for my 30th birthday since. The lunch menu offers great value for excellent food, and their wines by the glass are all good quality. An evening meal for two with wine could move the Punch Bowl into the "expensive" category, but when you compare the quality of food with the price of a main course, you have to say it's still great value. The rooms are pricey*. For these reasons, I've given it 3 out of 4 for price. I'd strongly recommend this place if you're planning any kind of special occasion (or if you have money burning a hole in your pocket). = (although the cottages to let just over the road allow you to enjoy the restaurant and bar without paying over the odds for accommodation)

We came here for dinner to cap off a great weekend in the Lakes. We made a reservation for a Sunday night, though honestly it wasn't terribly busy in the restaurant (though the bar picked up a bit). Servers were very friendly about letting us enjoy a drink for a while before ordering. My fiance and I split the deep-fried salt and pepper squid and whitebait, which were very tasty, hot, and crispy. For a main, I went with the chicken stuffed with brie and wrapped in bacon, which was on the specials menu. On the menu, it said it was accompanied by sun-dried tomatoes and a rocket salad. When my meal came out, there was no rocket salad or tomatoes, and I couldn't find any brie in the chicken. It looked pretty unappetizing. I spoke with a server, who said she'd check and make sure it was the right dish (they have chicken wrapped in bacon, no brie, on the main menu - that's what it looked like). I had some bites of everyone else's food while I waited (she took my plate), and they were all delicious. The beef stew, like a beef bourginon, was great. And the steak and ale pie was really divine. Totally elevated version of simple food. The server came back and said they were sorry my food hadn't been served with what it said it came with on the menu, and that the chef was going to make the dish again with more brie. She said it was the right dish, but they were doing it again to make it better. I didn't even want it anymore after having the beef, and indeed the dish was disappointing. So salty, chicken wasn't especially juicy, the dish was dry and dull compared to everyone else's. However, given my long wait, I didn't have to pay for it which was nice of them. The servers were super apologetic and kind about it. They also brought an extra free side of vegetables for me, which I appreciated. Dessert made me happy again, as the sticky toffee pudding was absolutely fabulous. Just a perfect dessert. I'd definitely return if we were in the Lakes again, but I'd stick to beef, something stewy with a sauce. I think without sauce, the meat that they cook is pretty dry. But service is great, dessert is exceptional, and it's a nice cozy space to have a meal.

We were staying up the road and the proprietor of our B&B recommended we come here for dinner. I'm so glad we did because the food was absolutely incredible. I had the steak & ale pie and I loved every last bite of it. Truly one of the great meals of my life. Go here!

Have used the Punch Bowl on a regular basis to visit relatives in the area, never disappointed, the service and rooms are always first class. Check their website for the late bookings for good offers. This week we had 2 nights and saved monies plus a bottle of Champagne was on ice in the room waiting for us. No make your own tea or coffee in the rooms just dial 30 and room service is there for you anytime day or night.It must be good as Samia Ghadie and Will Thorp were there, having a break from the "Rovers Return"

I stayed in Crosthwaite this September and had 3 lunches and a breakfast at the Punch Bowl. Overall I was very satisfied. Staff polite friendly and attentive. Beers cold and well kept. Food- quirky and original. Their chips are cooked twice somehow. The result is un-usual and delicious. The meat is amongst the best I have tasted sourced from an award winning local butcher and cooked with great skill and care. It is not cheap but well worth it for a treat. Dogs welcome in the bar area and adjacent dining are just not in the main dining room.

Chanced across this by accident, while looking for a dog friendly pub (they even have doggy treats in a pot on the bar). Didn't actually eat but the menu looked good.