Fantails Restaurant in Carlisle

Accommodated a last-minute booking due to poor bookings at other local eatery. The food was exceptional and plentiful. Staff were very welcoming and nice to chat to. Bar was fully stocked, and overall, the price was very reasonable for a couple.

Had saved up to go for our wedding anniversary and the whole experience ruined the day. Staff’s attitude was rude and diabolical. Was over 10 minutes before given a menu and even though they clearly advertise a la carte is available on a Sunday we were given a streamlined menu of Sunday dinner options with the vegetarian option of lasagne. Was asked if we’d like some water with our meal and never got it. When I asked , rude stroppy waitress got some and banged the carafe on the table without a word. My husband ordered a steak with chips, I had lasagne and asked for a side of chips. After 5 minutes I hadn’t got my side order. Asked the waitress and she said my husbands dish had 2 portions in it. It was a small gratin dish with pale chips and less than a small portion from a chippy. £4.95 for not even a handful of chips!!! The vinegar was also cloudy and the bottle filthy. My husband took one bite of his steak and thought it didn’t taste right and was possibly off. He pushed his plate to one side and left it. The roasted veg lasagne had 2 pieces of courgette and 3 small tomatoes in and was tasteless swimming in cheese. A waitress did offer my husband another steak but by then we were upset and fed up with the whole experience and just asked for the bill. We weren’t charged for my husband’s steak but it’s not the point is it. To serve food that is off with staff whose attitude and manner was appalling is just not acceptable. I don’t know what’s happening as it used to be such a nice place to go for a special meal. Needless to say we won’t be going ever again.

Visited last week for a Sunday lunch. I had chicken liver pate with gluten free bread and then lamb. It was stunning! It's not a cheap lunch out but is 100% worth the price. There are obvious signs of aging inside the restaurant and the walls/ tables could probably do with a deep clean but doesn't distract from the warming, home cooked food. Saw a few other bits on the menu which looked tasty and can't wait to come back to try.

Great service and made us very welcome in a neighbourly gathering.

Just really really Really disappointed with the quality, freezer bag fries, packet tortilla wrap, shop purchased salad, pioneer mayo… just rubbish and bland. The duck was tasteless and about 3 cm long. This place has gone down hill. Overpriced poor quality. The wine was good tho. Never again. Ps after a starter and a main…. I was famished

My girlfriend and I stopped in Wetheral on 7th Sept for the night on our way up to Scotland. We booked a meal at Fantails and have to say what a lovely place the food and service is excellent so would highly recommend Fantails. Our only criticism is the menu states you must have two courses, one must be a main course, the portions are generous which meant we were unable to finish our meals. We do not like to see food wasted so feel this is unnecessary.

Very good restaurant, period building with charming character. Good range of items on the menu, from vegetarian to fish and various styles of meat. Two bars for drinks, good table arrangements and period pictures on the walls. Mid to upper price range. Pleasant efficient staff. Would go again.

Quirky, lovely find on our trip. Had a wonderful meal too! A gem of a find!

Checked the website as a halfway point in a 20km walk. Menu had flatbread advertised on a Sunday which sounded just enough. Arrived on a sunny afternoon to be told they don't do food outside. Sat inside and was given a menu which didn't match the website. Asked about flatbreads and was told "they've got that wrong, it's what's on the board outside". No apology and very poor service from the staff. Used to have a good reputation but no excuse to have an out of date or false website these days.

Food was fantastic with a warm atmosphere apart from one lady working behind the bar with brown hair, I think her name was Nicola? She was very rude and unwelcoming and also raised her voice to younger colleagues in front of customers. Overall lovely place and would visit again.

Absolutely outstanding Sunday lunch. Everything was cooked to perfection, tasty, fresh and delicious. Good service. Will definitely be back, thank you 😊

Good restaurant if you want to treat yourself and your family.

Fantails - i just love it. No more words i get to descibe. Absolutely friendly and helpful staff. You can ignore the apprentice. Reserving a table is highly recommend to avoid disappointment. 7 miniutes drive to the train station. Yummy and finger licking food. Just deserve a five ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had an excellent dinner at Fantails. A lovely quaint property. The food was excellent, as was the service from the staff.

Food was fine as was the service but I have had better Sunday lunch for the price. The atmosphere was ruined by the over loud "background " music. It didn't help we were sat under a speaker. Very nice restaurant.

Staff are amazing location is great and atmosphere is excellent amazing food starters were better then the main but still great food always like to end the night with an Affogato

Both of us had the goats' cheese & apricot, roasted veg & new potatoes with broccoli spears & leek. Very tasty but over done the pepper & under cooked the broccoli & leek. Too al dente for me. Knickerbocker Gloria.... fabulous.

Tried to phone to book. Tried 6 times. No one picked up. Checked website and they were supposedly open. Do they want / need customers.

Great service and best lunch we have had for a long.Lamb was excellent 👌

We took four of our close friends who were visiting to Fantails to try the new lunchtime menu. And we weren’t disappointed! We all had fabulous meals. The atmosphere was just lovely and the staff were excellent as usual. Service was quick, all meals were served together - just another wonderful experience at Fantails.

Asked for alcove table for two when booking to accommodate our well behaved dog, given table for four elsewhere, wasn’t set up and next to bar where staff needed access. Specials board starter underwhelming & sent it back, roast dinner average…staff polite but need training for prices charged

Great night as ever Bit hot on table next to wood burner for menopausal women. Once it died down was a lot better

Fantastic would be a fitting description. Very attentive staff, all the food was delicious and a huge selection of gins at the bar. Would undoubtedly recommend.

Meal for two... Perfect evening great staff..

Excellent service, very friendly staff and great food

Fabulous food and service. Chloe is a wonderful hostess. ❤️

Its always great not a bad meal or drink 5×××××

Fab food, staff and atmosphere. Will visit again

Great evening meal whilst on business in Carlisle. The pub is within a 16th century building that is full of character. The meal was excellent, I had the prawns to start and piri piri chicken for mains. I could not fault the meal at all for the price point. Staff were attentive and friendly, all in all a great experience. I’m on business in Carlisle again next week and will be returning.

Always has been a lovely restaurant, ambience good, staff always pleasant and helpful. Went there to enjoy a nice meal. The trouble is apart from a change here and there the menu just doesn’t seem to change, same old same old and the quality of the food has become very average. There were children (plenty) running around. The waiters/waitresses are trying to walk through with hot plates with hot food on. A recipe for disaster and apart from this I don’t want to sit and watch and listen to children running around when I go out for a meal. It was like being in a kindergarten. Surely it’s not unreasonable to ask the parents to control their children for the sake of safety and other customers enjoyment. They are also paying for their meal. I could see other people tutting and raising eyebrows. I won’t be rushing back, this is not the first time there thats it’s been like a school playground and I feel a few updates to a tired menu are needed. Fantails was always a lovely place to go but not now. Now it’s tired and average.

Fish skin was burnt , told waitress no apology . Tried to clear table before I was finished main and desert. Tried to remove my glass before I finished my drink . Felt it was overpriced in comparison to other restaurants we have visited .

Excellent night plus the great singing waiter

Had to change tables because we were sat next to the door and it was freezing. Moved to the window and even colder. It was for a Xmas meal but had no atmosphere. There was no crackers on the table. The staff were wearing jackets or gilets so that tells you how cold it was. Food was average. Won't be going back

Wonderful food, service and atmosphere amazing evening Christmas Dinner the Lamb was so exceptionally delicate and delicious as was starter and dessert ....looking forward to my next visit ❤️👍

Amazing food, good choice of drinks, fantastic staff, nice ambience. It's the first time I have eaten there in probably 15 years, it hasn't changed...thankfully, it was great then and still is.

Delicious as always! Onion soup with hot bread rolls so nice I could not resist! Christmas Turkey meal super tasty, a nice thick slice of meat with homemade gravy Cloe and Kenny serve up the super food, attentative staff in a lovely restaurant...a great ambiance ...candle lit with fire on! What's not to like!! Looking forward to coming back soon!

Good service, great food and relaxed atmosphere. Would recommend for romantic evening, family or friendly meal.

Superb.... can't say anymore 👌👌

excellent food excellent friendly and efficient service. We have visited fantails over the year's as my mother in law lives nearby and we always find it to be and excellent restaurant. My mother in law and I had the sea bass which was delicious well cooked and the sauce was really good as were the dauphinois potatoes. My husband had cheese souffle to start which was gorgeous and the pheasant main course which he really enjoyed and or son had the salt and pepper chicken and club sandwich which he also enjoyed.

Excellent restaurant, fabulous food and service. My husband and I had sea bass crisp fresh vegetables and dauphinois potatoes. The meal was exceptional and highly recommend

The food was excellent the service was excellent, it wasnt as expensive as people make out, would definetly go again and take a female on a date there if i could meet someone

Table was booked for 19.30 took until 20.15 to receive food, we asked politely what lagers they served. The response was just what’s there considering we couldn’t see from our table, we didn’t think this was an appropriate reply. Food was not the best certainly would not go back

Fantastic place, staff so friendly and professional. Food was absolutely yummy.

Best Sunday lunch - tried so many places but Fantails cannot be beaten. Wonderful food, delicious wine and great service. Will return again very soon.

First visit here for dinner. Excellent seasonal selection on menu & food particularly tasty. Sensible portion sizes - nothing overwhelming! I did send back my dessert at the Creme Brûlée whilst tasty was very runny not set. Can recommend the asiette. Service was ok staff very polite all a little muddled. Drinks muddled then 1 dessert came and waited for 2.

A little gem of a place, quaint with a good atmosphere. Access is up stone steps, not sure if there is any other access for anyone with mobility issues. The service was good and given we were a large party it was quick and the staff worked hard. The food was fabulous, very tasty and well presented, the steak I had was cooked to perfection for my tastes and the hanging chicken was delicious. If I lived closer I'd be there often and I'll definitely be back next time I'm up in the area.

Visited last night as a treat from Granny , never been before but was very impressed. Parking is just outside, good for the old folks ! The entranceway up the steps , the porch with Grandfather clock, so nice . Inside very welcoming with lots of well stocked bars everywhere , low Ceilings and beams , lovely . Our table was perfect for a few drinks before our dinner, which we like. We had pork belly and the soufflé to start followed by duck , venison from specials board and my daughter in law had the chicken hanging skewer , all absolutely delicious. Then we had sticky toffee and white chocolate cheesecake, to die for !! Would definitely like to return with more of the family, lovely ambiance and good music too

Saturday evening meal and good atmosphere in restaurant and busy but plenty of waiting staff and great service. Great menu and compliments to chefs for cooking food to high standard. Excellent meal had by all in party and one person was a first timer there and was so impressed by everything she has rebooked for her and her friends to visit. That says it all 👍👍

Really enjoyed our midweek lunch. Lovely location and characterful rooms. Very good food with substantial starters! Wonderful service and a great experience.

Wow! Great food, great service and a stunning interior. Few restaurants impress seasoned cynical travellers this much.

Went for Sunday lunch with my mum. I had a roast chicken dinner which was absolutely perfect! Meat and veg cooked to perfection with the most delicious cauliflower cheese. Mum had the new crispy duck noodle salad which was delicious (I had a mouthful and will have that next time!). We ordered a portion of skinny fries which were cooked to perfection and delicious but we couldn’t do them justice as we were full. Service faultless, as usual. Lovely, friendly staff and nothing is too much trouble. Tip top!

The steak was overcooked, taken back, and another steak came back overcooked, although the chips were undercooked and soggy. The fish was as dry as a piece of plywood. Very disappointed.

Quality and quantity were good. Cooked well. Take away, no real opportunity to assess atmosphere, but service was OK

Today I was a walk in diner as I’d left it a little late to book a table. I found parking easily in the quiet little village. I wandered up a winding staircase into a quaint old blacksmiths shop and I was greeted very warmly by Charlotte. Soul music was my soundtrack as I was briefed on the drinks menu and which wines they had available by the glass. I chose a Rumanian pinot noir that was sensational. I chose a starter from the specials board. Scallops with chorizo and sun-dried tomatoes the tastes complimented each other and the cooking was to my liking. If I had anything to add then possibly a tad too heavy on the chorizo, the saltiness overpowered the delicate scallops a little. The starter arrived with a little bread basket. Charlotte was so attentive and a real asset to the restaurant, informative, reassuring and confident, easy to talk to and made me feel at ease. Main course was a butterflied chicken breast, with Cajun seasoning, goats cheese and double dipped chips. Asparagus and mixed veg, peas, cabbage and tenderstem broccoli. The meal itself was delicious, chips were crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, chicken was perfection with the marriage of Cajun spices, sauce and goats cheese. The asparagus was cooked perfectly with just enough bite. The only downside was the rest of the veg was a little soggy and chewy, like it had been reheated or sitting a while. A shame as everything else was absolutely delicious. It wasn’t mentioned on the menu and I question whether it was needed on the plate. A second glass of Pinot noir was ordered and dessert. A homemade white chocolate and orange cheesecake. It was delicious. I finished my meal with a double espresso and would definitely return. Charlotte took my criticism of the veg with ease and I can honestly say, the atmosphere, service and overall experience was lovely. I would recommend to anyone wanting friendly service and a good dining experience to give Fantails a visit! If you go early on a Friday you’ll even be entertained by a few of the locals chatting away to each other sipping on pints in a lovely, loud and friendly way.

Lovely place, foods nice and service is warm, attentive and friendly. Scallops were excellent. Great place for seafood lovers like me.

Excellent Saturday lunch...food was fantastic as were the staff....top marks...

This experience was outstanding. The building the food and the flavours the aged steak , and the attention to detail was fabulous. The staff were attentive and polite the prices were reasonable and the choice of drink and wine list fitted in with our preference. My step son is a chef and works in pasture a top rated restaurant in Bristol and the steak was so much better here . I'm obviously going to return. Thanks and l hear the tips get shared out so enjoy....

Brief comments on our night out with a couple of friends. Starter of King Prawn Pil Pil sauteed in olive oil, garlic and chillies - unfortunately the prawns were more than sauteed... they were swimming in the oil. Quite off putting, tasteless and expensive at £11.45 All main course 'add ons' at £4.50 each. When mains arrived, veg was already plonked on the plate. A VERY meagre portion for the price! To my mind the veg and chips (which came in one large dish...how do you charge £4.50 per person when everyone was tucking into them?!) should have been served in an individual dish per customer. Suggestion, please get some large wine glasses for the red wine instead of it being served in gin glasses! Nice atmosphere in the place. Chef needs further tuition

Loved it. Food was awesome, staff were super. Atmosphere was really chilled. I'd absolutely go again

We ventured in for Sunday lunch and were not let down by the offerings. The food was so delicious and fresh. The four of us really enjoyed the offerings of chicken dinners which we all opted for. It was obvious new staff were being trained as the start of our service was a bit disjointed. 3 people asked about our drinks order which was a bit frustrating, no communication from the experienced staff was clear in this instance. You must be patient whilst waiting for your meal on a Sunday as this took a little too long, but it was well worth the wait. The dinners, from the chicken to all of the accompaniments was delicious and hot. All very well cooked and seasoned. A lovely environment, very olde worldy, with the ancient beams and fixtures and fittings add to the ambience. £19 for a lunch , but well worth it as so many places charge 12 to 15 pounds and are mostly disappointing. A great place, you must visit as I am sure you will like it.

Sadly this restaurant has gone downhill since I was last there when I lived in Carlisle 7 years ago. We has leathery overcooked slices of beef in (bisto?) gravy. Standard works canteen food at Fantails prices! They should update their website too as there is no mention of a vegan menu and they still advertise fish and chips which, I was informed by a very fierce person, is no longer on the menu! Never again! Such a shame as it used to be a really good restaurant.

Pleasant surroundings, food was pretty good but there was loud dance music playing all evening that made everyone raise their voices. This was annoying enough to make me not go back again.

Amazing place for food, drink and a fantastic atmosphere. With very polite and helpful staff.

I wish I could give Fantails more than 5 stars. It would be my 7 star favourite. Absolutely love this venue, the food and the team who continually smile. Its a gem and if you are in the North Lakes, this is worth searching out. It's a classic. There isn't a restaurant on the planet that I would rather eat in than Fantails of Wetheral.

Expected so much better. Mother's Day lunch. Served by young girls with obviously no training in Service. Which wouldn't have mattered if the food had been above average, but it wasn't. Of all the Sunday lunches I've had in the last 6 months it was the least interesting and, as it was by far the most expensive, it was therefore the worst value for money.

Wonderful meal and great experience.

Really lovely place in the heart Cumbria. Great service, lovely food in a historic building. Recommended.

Sunday roast at fantails is absolutely amazing ! Maybe on the higher end price but definitely worth it.

Lovely food, lovely place... Attentive waitresses. Definitely coming back here!

Family meal for 40 of us. Despite the noise from our group and their inability to take instruction from the staff, we were treated admirably. Patience abounded! I had soup, beef and sticky toffee pudding. All was great, though as a Yorkshireman I found the pudding a bit overdone.

Just a shame access is difficult for elderly and totally unsuitable for wheelchair. But the age and style of the venue makes that impossible. Otherwise perfect.

We visited this restaurant on a recent visit to Wetheral and we LOVED it! The ambience is great, the service is great, but most of all the food is fantastic!! I wish we had found it on our 1st night not our last…we’d have gone...

I organised a 90th Birthday Afternoon Tea for my mum for around 70 people. Yet again, Fantails delivered a superb service. The food was first class, the service was first class and the venue was first class. Chloe, Nicola and the team are amazing. They’re...

Awful restaurant, service was average however food and drinks were terrible. For a £25 Sirloin I wouldn’t expect to take half of it home for the dogs. Food would be better served in a Wetherspoon. Too expensive for what it is. Could be a great...

We arranged to come to fantails for my birthday back at the start of march (the best idea we thought).... let me tell you why! The service in fantails is always marvellous and the staff treat you EVERYONE amazing! Me and a couple friends just...

We booked a table of 9 for Mothers Day. For a very special occasion you couldn’t have wished for a better meal and venue. All of the staff were excellent, food was superb and the experience was great.

Fantails is a great place for both a big family meal or a date night. The food is to die for and the staff are wonderful. There’s something to suite everyone in fantails. There “charity nights” and special DJ/singer nights are always such a laugh,...

Pleasant environment , wet cold night but lovely warm log burner. Reasonable choice on the menu. Two courses are mandatory. We all chose steak, fillets were fine my sirloin was over cooked, dry and really tasteless. Chips described as double cooked but again poor, dry...

Went for mother's day ,everything was lovely. We ordered dessert mine was a lacquer coffee issued for Irish. All the others arrived I told them not to wait for me. Good job cisco theyvwere half way through when I asked where it was, they were finished by the time it came a baileys coffee!!. I said its not what I ordered but would keep it. Finished it and they brought me an Irish coffee on the house nice jesture, but too much, maybe would have been better to give the first one on the house , but points for trying

Thoroughly enjoyable meal with wood burning stove providing warmth. Friendly and helpful staff, without being pushy. Pricing perhaps a tiny bit on the high side but only a little. Only real suggestion for improvement would be the addition of another vegetarian option for starters and...

I have just been served RAW CHICKEN !!! This should never ever happen in any restaurant! I will never return to this place again!

Just come from there had Sunday lunch service was very poor,not good value for money,not much veg and my wife's phesent was cold and was not cook we had no apologise at all the waitress staff seem not interested the serving us we had to keep asking for things while the staff were stood at the bar talking not a good experience

We visited for Sunday Lunch today and found the experience to be short of what we experienced on our last visit a year ago. There were significant delays between ordering and actually receiving anything. But, the worst things were: very small portions of vegetables with...

We last visited here about a year ago, just post Covid. Because it was a Saturday we had to book later, which worried us because of the wee one. However, our fears were allayed by the brilliant staff. They catered for her needs and kept...

Quite expensive for a Sunday lunch especially as i suspect the majority was pre prepared and had been standing for some time

Valentines night 14/02/2023. Yes that time of year to take your girlfriend out for a meal & gnt. Very friendly staff outstanding service excellent. We had the set menu it was mouthwatering explosion of taste and textures and presentation was superb. I would highly recommended this place for a evening meal. Thank you for a wonderful Valentines.

Amazing food , friendly staff and a interesting historic building. Very limited parking but theres usually spaces near by.

The food was excellent, the quality superb. The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend. Will visit again when next in the area.

Evening meal could not fault anything food hot staff nice venue lovely we will be back ty

On our arrival, we were welcomed by who appeared to be the front-of-house manager. We were shown our table & our drink order was taken. We noticed the FOH manager was the only staff on at that time. This meant we had to wait shy...

I had my great granddaughter’s christening there. The meals were beautiful don’t drink don’t smoke but enjoyed myself. Great Great night out with family and friends they also are they in joyed it The food was excellent

I've been here a few times with work and it's genuinely some of the best food I've ever had. Not to mention that the staff are super friendly and the atmosphere is fantastic

Very good food and service and everyone in the group of eleven enjoyed their food and commented on how good the food and service was

Big portion sizes, friendly staff, worth the price!

Fantastic meal and unrivalled atmosphere at Fantails for dinner last night. We will be back soon !

We revisited Carlisle after many years and as Fantails used to be our favourite restaurant we decided to go back. We weren’t disappointed. From the minute we started walking up the steps outside we felt welcome - with the lovely owner there to open the...

Was staying in the local Crown hotel and decided to eat here. The restaurant, food and service was simply outstanding. I would highly recommend anyone either in the area or staying locally visit this place.

Lovely restaurant. Delicious meals 😋 Friendly staff

🙏🐟🦀🦞A huge thank you to everyone for attending the meet the fishmonger event at Fantails restaurant last night. It was an evening of excellent food (the best fish north of lands end), amazing hospitality from Kenny & the team, world-class fish chat, banter and outstanding heckling. 🤣 Not mentioning any names😅. The Codfather was in his element 4 pints in and ready for action & entertainment.🦐🔥😜(although he didn't know the story behind the name of Monkfish) There are a few origin stories, one being that Monks used to head down to the boats/markets and ask for unused fish to eat or take. Hence the name Monkfish. 😊 We will, be looking to do something very similar again in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled. Bells Fishmongers get the quality, service & evenings of entertainment you deserve.

8 of us visited for lunch on Sunday. Food was lovely. 6 of us had roast beef, 1 had sirlion steak and the other meal was a children's chicken nuggets meal. Service and ambience was excellent. Pity I live in Southampton because I'd love to...