Farlam Hall in Carlisle

The service really marred the whole experience. My husband and I were gifted an afternoon tea for our anniversary. When we arrived, we were greeted at the front door by a lady who I can only describe as a 'bouncer' of sorts - she stood in front of us, making it clear we were not to venture any further into the building until we had proven we had a booking... I was also rather strangely escorted to the lavatory, rather then simply given directions ("to your left at the end of the corridor" seems rather easy to remember...). Perhaps I look like the type to get easily lost? I got a glass of fizz as a treat (we were celebrating after all!) but I never did get my pot of tea. I'd have brought it up, but we never saw the staff again. No one checked if everything was OK or if we needed anything else. We had to go looking for someone in order to pay the bill (for the glass of fizz). No one offered to take my coat, although I know other people in the room were awarded that level of service. I shared my husband's pot of tea - my tea cup was cracked and leaked - again, I'd have brought it up if a single member of staff had approached us. And there were plenty of staff about - we could hear them laughing and joking and chatting, outside of the dining room in the corridor. The scones and homemade jam were delicious. There was a bit too much chocolate in the fruit tarts for my liking, making them a little sickly. The pistachio cake was slightly dry. The cheese and pickle sandwiches were a tad disappointing, but the egg ones were very tasty. The dining room itself lacked any atmosphere. Beautiful surrounding area. Close enough to major roads. We love to dine out frequently - anywhere and everywhere! However, we won't be returning here. Nor will we be recommending to anyone else.

Never stayed in hotel over night, the restaurant itself was nice, good service, the food was different with a twist, maybe some people will like it, but don't think the fusion worked for me, so was a bit of a let down.

The food was amazing, especially the lobster. Service and surroundings were excellent and would definitely highly recommend this fine dining experience to everyone. We will return!

An absolutely outstanding meal. Inventive, a real balance of complex flavours, looking fabulous. One of the best meals we have ever had., with every course providing a real wow factor. The Cornish Lobster a standout, but every dish delivered.

We came for a night to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, having rebooked from a three-star establishment not far away.. so happy we made that decision! In the afternoon we had a walk with our teenagers around the grounds including the stunning kitchen garden, then enjoyed the stunning Hadrian's Wall at Walltown Crags, before dropping them off at Carlisle. The first few dishes at dinner were simply incredible, some of the best we've ever had. And the room was spacious and beautifully fitted out with a huge bathroom. the most striking thing was the warm and wonderful service.

We know Hrishikesh Desai from his time at Gilpin when it was (and still is) one off our favourite places to eat in Cumbria (and that bar is high). We were delighted and excited to learn that he had opened his own hotel and restaurant and it was no surprise that he earned a Michelin star in the first year of opening. The food was sublime. I think his Subcontinental roots came to the fore more prominently than when he was at Gilpin and, for me that was a very good thing. There was spice, but not too much. Most of all the food was packed with flavour. The menu was interesting without being pretentious and we had a thoroughly good meal. In addition the wine pairings were very good indeed and did certainly compliment the dishes. I canheartily recommend Cedar Tree and we will certainly be back, but not sure when exactly.

Fabulous experience. Opened my eyes to fine dining

My husband and I went for the tasting menu and I can truly say we were not disappointed. From arriving and being met at our vehicle till the moment we left the experience was truly magnificent. All the food was exceptional and the service impeccable from start to finish. Will most certainly be returning and would highly recommend.

Had a lovely afternoon tea with the family. Lovely setting, good service and very enjoyable tea at a reasonable price. Would certainly make a return visit.

Lovely staff that are really helpful, and some great cooking going on in the kitchen. A very enjoyable stay.

I`m fortunate enough to eat out most weekends and up to press (Oct 23) this is the very best dining experience that i`ve had this year. The food here is perfection. Chef Hrishikesh Desai hasn`t been here very long and already the awards are flying in. I`ll eat my hat if it doesn`t get a Michelin star at the next awards...it`s that good. Chef cooks with absolute precision and perfection and every course of our meal was faultless. Dinner is £120 for the Tasting menu (8 courses with extra treats) 3 course ALC £90 ....With added treats. We stayed overnight for the full experience and it was all very WOW. Staff and service were 10/10...lovely genuine people. 4 days later and i`m already planning a return for more delights. Highly recommended for a very special treat.

We had the most amazing Sunday Lunch at the Cedar Tree today. From the moment we arrived we were made extremely welcome and comfortable. The hotel is beautiful, quite traditional but very clean and bright. The tables were all positioned so that no guest was staring at a wall (which happened at a previous Michelin restaurant). The waiting team were very professional and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious, from the delicious bread and butter, to the appetisers and then the starters and mains (I had scallops and roast sirloin and my husband had roast Cauliflower and Salmon). The desserts were also gorgeous. All in all we had a wonderful meal and afternoon. We have already booked to return for the taster menu. Before we left we were chatting to the waiters and Karen, who were all lovely. I will eat my own hat if Hrishi doesn't get a Michellin Star next time round

We had dinner at Farlam Restaurant, including a cevice. About three hours later that evening, my wife had acute, severe food poisoning with corresponding severe symptoms (including fainting). We reported the incident to management the next morning. We were given a discount on one meal. At the same time, we were told that it was not proven that the acute poisoning was a direct result of the meal. Management did not ask about the need for medical attention, nor did they inquire about our condition in the days that followed. Instead, we received the standardized feedback sheet without any reference to our incident.

Most amazing culinary experience! We've returned to Farlam Hall /Cedar Tree Restaurant for a celebration dinner- 5.5.23. Last evening, the 7 course tasting meal excited all our senses; any other previous experiences faded away. A variety of flavours and spices, balanced in a most unique way. Tandoori Beef Wellington beef was a very well orchestrated symphony for gustatory, olfactoryand visual senses - unbelievable. Of course, it was expected nothing less from Chef Patron Hrishikesh Desai. The carefully chosen wine to accompany the spectacular dishes was in complete harmony, enhancing the experience(I'm told by my husband, as I was the designated driver!) Service was taken to a complete different level- attention to detail, synchronisised and such fluidity, making the experience entirely dedicated to us. All credit to the a wonderful team that made our evening extremely enjoyable. So professional, attentive and knowledgeable, I could not recommend enough! Not to mention the grounds, the walled garden. Mirific atmosphere. From our window seats the iconic tree was our witnessed of a perfect experience. Compliments to the Chef and the team who made all this possible for us at Farlam Hall/ Cedar Tree Restaurant! Must try it!

Excellent service and great menu with substantial wine cellar. Comfortable restaurant with views over the grounds.

A sophisticated menu beautifully presented and served by charming local staff. The Tasting Menu is particularly good and if you can afford it, order the accompanying wine flight . The dining room is elegant with huge windows overlooking the immaculate gardens and the huge cedar tree after which the restaurant is named.

Fabulous, creative ingredients (wild mushrooms, edible flowers, unusual herbs) beautifully plated. 2 of us had 3 courses from an excellent la carte menu. All 6 were superb. The service was friendly and attentive, though both our servers were clearly quite inexperienced in fine-dining. The restaurant itself was a beautiful room with lovely ambiance, even though quiet. Wish we lived closer and could visit again!

Stayed here for 4 nights over Xmas and ate in the restaurant each day. Food is lovely and very well presented. Staff are young but very polite and well dressed,,,, and good at what they do taking into account any dietary requirements you my have. Restaurant itself is very well decorated and a lovely place in which to eat.

Enjoyed excellent food and service including a scallop dish with some of the best scallops I've eaten in a long time also a pheasant dish that was perfect for the season

Stayed at the hotel for two nights so we ate here on consecutive nights. The service was excellent and the meals were outstanding. Three courses of pure joy and we felt that this was proper food unlike some other places we have visited.

We visited Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant for 1 night on our 39th wedding anniversary. How this hotel is not a 5 star I don't know. We dined in the Cedar Tree Restaurant in the hotel, which was light, cheery, and airy, we ate from the tasting menu, WOW! what an experience, worthy of the 2 rosettes they currently have, food was fantastic as was the service. We enjoyed a fine breakfast on the morning of our stay in the restaurant. All was fresh and inviting. The hotel is so well located, a true country house feeling. We would not think twice about returning or recommending it to others.

A classy gem in Cumbria indeed! Covid blah blah still in force and perfectly managed. Lovely dining room, fine and comfortable furniture, the Cedar Tree shows its' pedigree from the welcome to the farewell. So refreshing to have eager, professional, competent and friendly staff. This is a place to spend time in, savour the atmosphere, don't think about rushing. Great menu, showcasing local produce and expert kitchen management and cooking. Extensive wine list and choice of drinks, again quality to the fore. Sycamore Gap local gin was a stand out. Expert cheese souffle starters for the girls, boys opted for the pork belly, wow! Rarely have we tasted, eaten and enjoyed so good a main course roast, all four of us opted for the leg of lamb. Succulent, soft, buttery and delicious. Good Yorkies and plenty of extra gravy. Plenty of fresh veg, no stinting. Cracking homemade mint sauce too. Sticky toffee puds were light and unctuous, the cheeseplate was a little tired, to be honest, but the Shrophire blue was creamy and came to the rescue. Coffees in the rear lounge before our taxi arrived. An absolutely lovely three hours spent in the Cedar Tree, what a treat!

Beautiful setting for dining. Lovely outlook over the gardens. Tasting menu was very good & offered a nice selection of dishes

Ate here whilst staying at Farlam Hall. The food was expertly cooked and presented and well deserves its AA 2 rosette award. All the staff were friendly and helpful and were enjoying their jobs. Felt very safe with the Covid precautions that were in place.

We stayed at the hotel three nights and ate in the restaurant every night. The food is as good as would appear from the menu. They bring an amuse-bouche and a warm bun. The portions aren’t large but we were full every night. Highly recommended.

Surprisingly the restaurant doesn't appear on the Michelin list preferring to send you to the Toby Carvery in Carlisle! Don't listen, this restaurant serves a superb three course a la carte dinner, all the dishes excellently cooked and presented. The staff are helpful and friendly....

A warm welcome awaited us when went to Farlam Hall to celebrate a friends birthday. Our coats were taken and we were ushered into the drawing room for pre dinner drinks and canapés. The choice from the menus suited us all and with a lot...

We had our amazing wedding at Farlam Hall 5 years ago and returned for our wedding anniversary last weekend, aware that Barry, Lynne, and Helen had moved on. The new management were just as warm and welcoming, and have already started a major refurb/re-decoration programme....

This is a formal experience at an excellent Country House Hotel. You will be personally welcomed for a pre-dinner drink in the lounge; (do take a partner as the other guests may not be inclined to chat). This is the epitome of Fine Dining, "A...

Dined here recently after a few years and found Farlam Hall as perfect as ever. Impeccable service; characterful and beautiful old hall building and a delicious well cooked and presented meal with every detail carefully executed, made for an unforgettable experience. A lovely place for...

Lovely family run hotel . I have been visiting for over 40 years. Food and service is always excellent with old fashioned high quality of service.

I would highly recommend the afternoon tea at Farlam Hall Hotel. The food was beautiful and the service was outstanding. A very pleasant afternoon was had by all. A real treat for a girls afternoon out. Thank you.

everyone was totally satisfied with food service atmosphere the room and the service was perfect no complaints whatsoever

The dining room is very traditional Victorian style with silver salvers etc and great staff. The chef is excellent. The restaurant overlooks the lovely gardens.

Enjoyed this experience with a group of friends. Coffee and biscuits were waiting for us on arrival in their lounge. These were followed by canopies whilst our orders were taken. I had soup, followed with lamb with the trimmings and a tart pudding. The quality...

A VERY English experience and the couples that run it are charming ! The husband is chef and Fab Halibut dish and lemon posset desert to die for! Breakfast also first class. Just 12 rooms and very clean and quaint but older style furnishings so...

I ate here whilst staying with friends for a few days. The night we went there were no other guests and ended up more of a private dining experience. We had been here before and enjoyed it so it was no surprise that the food...

Stayed three nights, excellent experience, nice and close to Hadrian's Wall sites. Met by family, tea and cakes on arrival. Food very high standard with a different menu every night. Room beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean, very comfortable. TV in sitting area and another in the...

I was looking for afternoon tea near Carlisle without travelling into the busy Lakes in July. I had been to Farlam Hall previously and had fabulous food so when I saw their afternoon tea advertised it seemed a natural choice. This proved to be correct....

Barry Quinion is a classical safe pair of hands. Not cheap, but some outstanding courses. King Prawn skewer excellent. Beef also top notch . Cheese course provided and desserts of old school. Service top notch.

Siempre he querido visitar Farlam Hall durante muchos años y finalmente tuvimos la oportunidad de visitar aquí el sábado 3 de octubre. Me quedé muy impresionado con toda la experiencia y se lo recomendaría a cualquiera que después de ese tipo de experiencia.

Este es, en algunos aspectos, como un restaurante perdidos en el tiempo. Es estilo decididamente pasadas de moda en su estilo y menú, pero nos pareció que la comida era buena y el servicio era totalmente encantador.

We visited with a group of 24 friends from our Car Club. On arrival we were welcomed with coffee and biscuits. We then retired into the grounds where canapés and drinks were served.Our Sunday lunch was amazing. The food was first class and the service very professional. I had crayfish for a starter followed by Sole and vegetables. My pudding course was a fantastic orange marmalade jelly. We transferred to the lounge and the outside seating area for our coffees. The only slight downside is the tight parking at the front of the hotel.

Excellent experience at Farlam Hall, from the canape's as you enter, to the coffee and chocolate tray at the end of your meal, considering the number and quality of courses and excellent service this is also excellent value. This isn't your average restaurant as they only have one sitting 8pm per evening, so you can't book a specific time, but the Fabulous location, excellent service and great food more than compensate.Took the other half on her birthday and she wasn't disapointed, I do not exaggerate to say, the last time I experienced service this good was at mitchelin starred establishments. Thumbs up all round,

We have been coming to this hotel now for 14 years...we usually come over the festive period as we love the decorations and the festive food. The service and roaring fires are wonderful in the lounge and the dining room never changes.The food is classic country house British with classical training and classical finesse. My favourite thing is the cheese board which arrives prior to dessert, there is so much choice!This is a beautiful and traditional country house hotel and would highly recommend a visit!

Liked..... all of it, the freshness, the taste, the quality, the presentation, the service - lovely. This review has to be 50 characters long so here goes.... Lovely, lovely

Calm, peaceful, tranquillity... that thing we just never get any more. I hadn't realised how busy life is, till we arrived at Farlam Hall for afternoon tea. To start with, the silence is a little strange - you really want a radio or gentle music in the background. But after a while you sink into it (and the huge comfy sofa) and realise that silence is actually golden after all! So - afternoon tea. Very professional, but not too stuffy, hosts. Roaring log fire. Lovely views out across the grounds. Tea (or coffee) was brought to us very quickly, followed by a superb array of delicacies. Finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, scones, cupcakes, fruit cake, fresh fruit meringues... all served on traditional chintzy china. The non-ending teapot was great, and the food was superb. Only slight issue was that there was significantly more sweet than savoury, so a non-sweet eater might go hungry :( We stayed for almost 2 hours - the time just flew past. In all that time, we were left completely alone (other than 3 quick visits by our hosts to check if we needed anything), which is a lovely touch. Highly recommended - it was a lovely afternoon.

My wife and I celebrated our Anniversary here with a meal in the restaurant. The hotel itself is set in beautiful grounds, just a shame that the weather wasn't at its best. I am pleased to say that Farlam Hall was superb, a warm welcome the minute we walked in. The hosts were extremely pleasant and the roaring log fire added to the ambience. We mulled over the menu with drinks in the lounge, then later called through to the restaurant for our meal. The fine food and attentive service ensured a great evening. The wine menu is extensive to keep the neediest of palates entertained but the highlight for me was the locally brewed Brampton Bitter. Overall a fantastic experience in a warm and friendly atmosphere you would be hard pressed to beat in the area and well worth every penny of your hard earned for those special occasions.

We visit as often as possible and each time I must say I am never disappointed.The food was delicious and service as usual perfect!We will be back soon.

Excellent food and a unique dining experience. Some might think it is a bit stuffy, but I thought it was relaxed and friendly. The staff was very professional. Definitely worth experiencing.

Stunning house, beautiful gardens and efficient, friendly service. You are made to feel so welcome and relaxed as soon as you arrive. The food is wonderful. Thank you for such an enjoyable day.

Dinner is a leisurely affair at this delightful country house hotel. Presented with the menu on arrival one could look forward to an outstanding meal. Although the choices were limited everything was cooked freshly, and to perfection. The lamb was presented carefully and all courses were more than acceptable. Service wad top notch, friendly and efficient. The wine list was excellent.

There are gracious hostesses in long dresses, a delightful period interior with log fires and, above all, the feeling that you are personal guests rather than paying customers. You are invited to gather for pre-dinner drinks half an hour before the allotted time for dinner, and choose from a very small menu selected by the chef from local, fresh ingredients. There is all the correct cutlery and crockery, and courses are served smoothly and with no fuss. There is no intrusive music - only the comforting sound of clinking implements and quiet chatter. At the end of it all there is a sumptuous lounge to which to retire with coffee and brandy, while the sordid business of money is conducted very discreetly elsewhere. Superb!!

This is where to go for a speacial evening meal. Service is exemplary and the food is always superb. It can be expensive, but it is always excellent value for money.

I diner at Farlam Hall recently with two friends. The welcome could not have been warmer: our gracious hostess, as well as her polite and smart staff, were incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout the evening. The dining experience was of a very high standard: excellent, fresh, local produce, amuse bouches and palate cleansers, and a fine wine list, served in a charming country house setting. All in all, Farlam Hall is highly recommended, and easily one of the best places to dine in Cumbria.

As a family we use Farlam Hall quite regularly.The food is always first rate fine dining in a very warm and friendly atmosphere.Highly recommended!

A family run hotel. Beautiful setting amongt trees with a small lake in front. I have been told that the rooms are excellent. by friends who have stayed there The food is just superb with an interesting choice (although not the cheapest but worth the experience) served by well trained and lovely staff members. Great setting for a wedding

A wonderful country house, run by a family who know how to entertain, an excellent evening of period splendor along side fine dining and perfectly delivered service.

very good will go again when next in the area next time take some friends and colleagues