Fellshack in Allerdale

Our first visit to Rathlin Island and of course we availed of The Hungry Seal! The food was absolutely amazing, we were in chippy heaven. The chips are probably the best I've ever had and the battered sausages to die for! The other half had the haddock supper and claimed it was the best he's ever had. Decent portions, the price is up there but not much different than your average chippy to be fair. The girls were lovely and had the food ready in good time. We would take a trip back to the island just for another feed at the Hungry Seal lol 10/10 for us! (Not my picture, found in Google search)

We ordered a hot chcolate and a mill shake. Both were top draw! And served by a really great friendly gentleman. A real gem, and utterly unpretentious. Wish we had found it sooner.

A lovely characterful food van and cafe - delicious! Space outside to sit and undercover tables too.

I loved the cosy interesting vibe here. With a thoughtful, inventive menu, it's obvious the food is made with skill and care. The soups and cakes we had were excellent, and the welcome was very warm.

Precis: Wow! Excellent! Any other superlative you choose! Full review: What a wonderful gem of a find! From the start the welcome was warm and friendly. Nothing was too much trouble for Gary, Donna and their team; what a diamond they have found in Jack! The quality of the furnishings is very high, the fittings top class and the home made biscuits in the bedroom were delicious! Even a welcome decanter of sherry to start off your stay! The hallway walls are adorned with award plaques from numerous organisations! The grounds were extensive and very well kept. We had read about the wild red squirrels and hoped we may get to spot one - no fears there; we watched them running around the garden and feeder each day! Now for the food! Absolutely excellent! Each evening started at 7pm with canapés and good conversation with fellow guests, most of whom seem to be repeat visitors, with good reason! Gary is very personable and quite the bon viveur, his knowledge of wine is excellent, after all by his own admission he has been in the game for a good number of years! The four course dinner menu is set, no choices, but the menu is on display each morning and I'm sure that alternatives could be organised if enough notice were given. Each course was exquisite, served piping hot (where appropriate!) and presented beautifully, as was the table in general. Service was efficient, friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast was just as good! Hazel Bank has seven rooms and the restaurant is open only to residents. All this means that each guest gets very personal, and personable, service from start to finish! If you think that this review is a little enthusiastic then I doubt you've visited! Don't get me wrong, it isn't for everybody and nowhere is totally perfect, but Hazel Bank gets VERY close!