Penny Blue in Carlisle

Took 30 minutes to take our food order and another 30 minutes for starters. No one came to clear plates or ask us if we wanted more drinks in between courses/ when serving food. Mains eventually came - no one asked if our meals were ok or if we wanted condiments with our roasts. Had to keep attracting attention of servers. Eventually they said they’d come back to take drinks orders - didn’t happen. Ordered desserts and was promised they were straight to serve - another 30 minutes. We complained about the service a few times and got a pathetic “sorry”. There were plenty of servers and chefs - other tables turned over quickly so not sure why we we were invisible. Thankfully the 4 young children we had with us were amazing - maybe if they hadn’t been we’d have been served quicker?! 🤷🏽‍♀️

My wife and I visited tonight and had an excellent experience. The staff were friendly and efficient and the food was excellent. The quality and presentation of the food was 5 star. We had the chicken breast with air dried ham. I had the peppercorn sauce and my wife three cheeses sauce. We had a wonderful sweet. Homemade vanilla ice cream and a vanilla cheese cake with white chocolate. Big thank you to the excellent chef snd hard working girls who looked after us.

Went on a Tuesday and had tapas food was excellent

As group we’ve eaten here regularly genuinely enjoying the experience. Sadly our last venture was very disappointing. They could find the booking, there were no tables resulting in several frustrated people. The staff were ok? Food mediocre this time !

Very ignorant staff. Started took over 45 minutes to come which was a bowl of soup, when we mentioned this the waiter got very upset and started arguing with us. Service very very slow

Myself and my family came for my birthday but didn’t have the best experience. Our Mushroom starters were superb, however, the three of us ordered the £34 Fillet steak. Two of the steaks were ordered medium rare but came medium but were edible but one was order medium and came well done. We didn’t get a check back on our meal from our server so I had to chase down someone as I really wasn’t happy with my well done steak. The server was lovely and offered to get me one cooked how I asked but suggest I get medium rare if I want medium - this seems to suggest she is aware that they are never cooked to how they should be. Following this my family had finished their meal but still didn’t receive a check back in their meals. My steak came which was cooked medium finally. It took us being sat with our empty plates for 30+ mins after we’d all finished, and once we’d come back from having a cigarette someone eventually came over to clear our plates. Dessert was offered and we said we would like some but in 5/10minutes. No-one ever came back so we decided to get the bill. My mum mentioned the above problems but in a way for feedback as the bill was £240+ and the server - who was extremely passive aggressive and seemed disgruntled stated “well I’ll go get a manager then”, but then came back and said “we’ve take 5£ off the bill as obviously we had to rebook a whole other filler steak”. This server didn’t bother to hear us out or allow us to explain then tried to blame us for cooking another steak when it was cooked to how we asked in the first place. We felt extremely disappointed that no manager came over even though the server threw that in our face when we said we weren’t overly happy. Poor service and you could see the servers were struggling to keep up with big tables all around us and therefore it felt we got forgotten. Occasionally they were good at asking us for drinks, but overall disappointment birthday meal and experience.

We went to this restaurant as we were in Carlisle with no booking. We were told on entry that tonight was the steak night special. Following this we decided to order steaks. I ordered a fillet steak with peppercorn sauce and side salad. Steak was lovely and tender and cooked to medium rare (like I asked). Side salad was delicious (one of the tastiest I have ever had) but the stand out for me was probably the only rings. THE WERE THE BEST onion rings I have ever had and tasted like they had been pickled. Triple cooked chips were also lovely. I tried the katsu curry as well which was amazing, much better than any I had tried before (1000x better than Wagamama for sure!). For dessert I had the biscoff and white chocolate cheesecake which was really tasty. I couldn’t stop eating it!! Overall I highly recommend coming to this restaurant on steak night or to have the katsu curry.

We went to Penny Blue for a lovely evening meal & some wine & loved the vibe & enjoyed it all, Would definitely Return! :)

Went for Sunday lunch. Although the restaurant wasn't overly busy the main course took a while to come . Others in after us were served well before us.

Penny Blue is simply the best - our home from home - food is absolutely spectacular, however, it is the service from the wonderful team which makes it our stand-out! The fabulous staff (the lovely lady who I believe may be manageress) &the fabulous Darren who go above and beyond 💖 With love from the ‘Sambuca Table’😉xxxxx

We visited for Sunday lunch with family. The service was terrible and was so disjointed. We struggled to get the attention of staff to order more drinks and desserts. The Sunday roasts were tiny portions and overpriced. The desserts came out in 10 minute intervals. It’s the second time I’ve visited and it’s been the same experience both times so I won’t be returning.

Went with family for a birthday meal, the food was lovely, but our food didn't really match the description and therefore our expectations. There was a minor mix up of our order, but the staff quickly sorted that out for us. I was impressed by the service. It was Friday evening at 7:00 and we weren't expecting it to be quite so busy, it was so noisy you could only just hear any conversation. The venue is very beautiful, it's a lovely spot.

We went for Sunday lunch with a group of around 14. We were presented with our meat, mash and a Yorkshire pudding and this was shortly followed by a few tiny plates of veg and some roasties. the veg was not evenly distributed along the table, and the portions were so small we assumed more was to come to fill the gaps on the table. after waiting a while, we enquired about this and they simply moved the already exiting veg around the table to spread it out. I left still hungry, this was the smallest portion of a Sunday dinner I’ve ever had. The food was actually nice, there was just hardly any of it! they need more vegetables and more meat wouldn’t go a miss, I opted for ham and received a couple of small slices- I could of ate the whole thing again

Selected this for a Sunday roast lunch while on a choir singing visit which meant our timing was tight. Both had beef which was absolutely excellent as were all the trimmings. For desserts my wife chose the creme brulee while I had a delicious raspberry pavlova ice cream. Service was attentive, friendly and timely giving us time for a leisurely stroll back to practice at cathedral.

I've been to the Penny Blue a few times... And I'm now confident enough to say... it's just not good. The food is below average, service is naff, the restaurant is too noisy, it's not clean, and there's just too many mistakes. Tonight our table of four: Was given 2 menus to share, the covers with filthy, and one was a Sunday menu that was useless. The menu really isn't very interesting... But not offensive. It's pub grub presented as fine dining though which is frustrating. After a long wait, the server put my meal in front of someone else at the table. The sauces were put with the wrong steaks and one sauce was completely wrong (nobody ordered peppercorn). Dudd of the night had to be the GRILLED ASPARAGUS, FETA CHEESE & OVEN BAKED TOMATO SALAD Shaved chilli pickled cabbage, pistachio & garden herb roasted potato salad. ...Oven baked tomato was some thinly shaved dehydrated tomato, no evidence of chilli in the cabbage, no trace of pistachio, 4 bay leaves (inedible in a salad!?), 5 pieces of sad potato that tasted like the back of the fridge all served in a very dill heavy mayo that simply wasn't nice. £40+ a head - categorically not worth it. Such a shame as Bartons Yard and the Halston catering is fantastic. Letting the side down! There are ways better places in Carlisle - even in the same building!

If I could give -5 stars I would , there is no words to what I experienced last night , the most unprofessional, worst service I have ever had in my life I'm still in shock to what I experienced and what the people I was with experienced. Tiny portion of bad food and over priced, didn't even get what I ordered and had to get my own drinks as the staff preferred a chat over serving tables and when they did serve the tables I'd rather they went back to chatting as they were rude and useless .

Fantastic food and service. Highly recommended. Our group had a selection of dishes, including tapas, and all of it was delicious. Some of the best and tastiest food we had at a restaurant in a long while.

Loved everything. We went about 3 p.m. when quiet on a Wednesday. Food excellent and 'Postcard Menu' lunch menu very good value for money.

Over priced and nit food orderd ... chicken supreme was a chicken dinner with huge bone hardly any chicken and very dry veg dishevelled.. chicken n bacon salad no avocado as stated n hard hard lettuce .. fish n chios should read fish and 4 chips ... n all 18 or £19 .. RIP OFF

We honestly couldn’t rate this restaurant highly enough. The food was to die for and the service from Charlotte was 10/10. The ambience was chilled and music spot on. We just wish that we lived nearer so that we could come back more often! Thank you for such a lovely evening!

Superb food, great staff and atmosphere. Noisy on a Saturday evening though. More relaxed during the day if that's what you are looking for. Would highly recommend.

My family agreed that this was the best dinner we’ve had on our vacation so far. I had the katsu chicken curry which was crispy on the outside yet moist on the inside over a bed of rice and some curry sauce on the side which was quickly devoured. The service was very quick and friendly too. Portions were great too. Glad we got to try this place out before continuing on our UK road trip!

Amazing. I have visited regularly and have never been disappointed. So good that we visit every year for our wedding anniversary. Very friendly staff, always checking if everything is okay and if more drinks are required. Food and drinks are always exceptional. I could not rate Penny Blue any higher.

What a fantastic tapas we had thank you so much.

We went in on a busy Saturday night for food, pre booked ahead which was an easy process, thank God we did. Everyone seemed to be out because of the sunshine. We regularly eat at Penny Blue, absolutely amazing food, cocktails are gorgeous and dessert is fantastic. We always order too much but can't help it, the food is amazing. Staff are amazing, polite, always welcoming and friendly. Also so helpful with my partners allergies. Prices are very good considering the amount of food you get, service you get and for the atmosphere as well. Bouncer staff were friendly, polite and chatty as we were waiting for a couple of friends to join us. Also massive thank you to the lady bouncer with black hair for lending me a hair bobble when mine decided to snap!

We had dinner on Tuesday which was a tapas night. Plenty of choice, three dishes for £20. Each dish was carefully prepared and presented. Plenty to each and some great flavours. Our table was managed by Olivia who was perfect, attentive and helpful.

Started a night with friends here. Weather was lovely so busy on the terrace outside. Not so busy in side, but still a good atmosphere

Food was outstanding. Huge confusion at the end as it hadn't been made common knowledge that the price they say your food costs and is advertised as, doesn't include VAT. Unfortunately this messed everything up and caused so many issues. Prices should be amended to include VAT then when all is paid, all is actually paid.

Came in for our anniversary and everything was absolutely perfect. Lovely staff, really special food (best steak I've ever had), and the cutest dog sat behind us that I looked at more than my Mrs. Easily the nicest meal out I've had in Carlisle.

Food wasn't bad but I did leave hungry also felt the service was alittle slow considering it wasn't really that busy in the restaurant

Food was excellent and staff were very nice. Restaurant was very nice decor.food was very reasonable for price and good quality.👏

Visiting from Vancouver, Canada. This restaurant came up on Google Maps as a seafood place. And so i just felt the urge to go in for a snack - a scallop and bacon starter and it was delicious. Manager was friendly and comes across as well travelled. Server was friendly too. Decor is elegant but yet there is a cosy feel to the room.

Lovely decor. Only one issue with the food, being that my steak was only luke warm when served. But perfectly cooked otherwise. Service was great and we were pleased to find they are dog friendly, which makes visiting whilst in the area much easier. Would definitely return.

Service was a massive let down took 45 mins to take out order and was never offered drinks during the meal

The Penny Blue Restaurant came up on a trip advisor search. Glad it did or we wouldn't have known it was there. I had the parfait, steak and then cheesecake. All were great. Had a few bottles of wine to wash it down. The service was great. I really need to start noting names so I can thank personally.

I went for a meal with my boyfriend for his birthday and the experience was lovely! We got treated to some free champagne and the food was delicious. Amazing place for a day out. Will be coming back :)

Stayed last year fabulous Sunday roast fabulous loved watching the chefs preparing it Stayed elsewhere just for a cost comparison could not wait for the meal today had ranted to friends saying it was the best we ever had and it was good again today but the plate was cold which spoiled it a bit so it went from a 10 out of 10 to an 8 but still very good just a little detail that makes a huge difference

Great food Swordfish was delicious

Amazing service Food great Prices affordable

A very nice opulent premises service was very good

Love having lunch there many times 😋 with my sister from London and my partner Bryan

Probably one of the best restaurant in town; great atmosphere, great food and great service;

Great service - I had to catch a train and the waitress made sure my order came out on time even though it was a busy Saturday. Food itself was delicious

Excellent food and staff...went for family meal in August...loved it

Very nice meal would recommend and will go back.

Went here with my family and all of us thoroughly enjoyed our food. The highlight for me was the scallops from the appetiser section of the menu. The cherry amaretto cocktail was also a stand out. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they do a tapas menu where you choose 3 dishes. I'm always a bit wary of tapas as it can be very little food but the portion size was very good here so I recommend that if you want to try several of the dishes. The interior is nicely decorated and there was a good atmosphere as it was pretty busy even on Tuesday night.

Cant fault it at all, food and service were fantastic.

Tapas Tuesday with friends. Delicious

I must say that the food was absolutely fantastic. Piping hot and very tasty indeed. My only slight gripe would be that I thought service was a bit on the slow side for a Tuesay night. We seemed to sit quite a while waiting for our table to be cleared before we were offered desserts. We would go again.

Wonderful staff, food ,service and well priced

Fantastic restaurant- steak was cooked to perfection, peppercorn sauce one of the best ever and the wine, beer and service was first class. Thoroughly enjoyed a night in the Halston and dinner at penny blue. Will be back when visiting Carlisle, couldn't fault a single thing

Nice food, good service and the price was reasonable. Thank You!!

Great service from Natalie this evening so happy to help fantastic member of staff

Large table booked in advance with food pre ordered only to find in the night we couldn't sit together. Volume was so loud in the place you had to shout to each other. Portions small and still gingery after a main and dessert. Drinks very expensive. Overall very disappointing.

Lovely Sunday dinner with my daughter today. This place was recommended to me by a family member and we were both very happy it was. Service, food, sitting area, parking, space's between tables... everything was absolutely perfect. Staff well turned out and very professional with timing, right amount of attention and a smile. Will we go again... absolutely. Do we as a family recommend it to you and yours....100% 👍

Absolutely amazing! A very cozy warm place, the food is delicious and good value for money, the service is good and the interior beautiful. Tuesday deals are a nice chance to try different dishes without spending a fortune. I will definitely come back!

Food was not that great this time and tgeee were other diners there that had their dogs with them

Chicken/haggis burger & chips tasteless, chips lukewarm 1/2 cooked, instead of triple cooked burger a mush of chicken and haggis

We stay in Carlisle for 3hours to wait the train. This is One of the best steak I have ever had.(we wait for about 40min,but it is ok for me haha)

Lovely Sunday lunch but would've preferred more green vegs our plates rather than the colourless root vegetables. Very tasty though Service was good to start off with by pleasant staff but got slower as our visit went on. Desserts and coffee were great and the ambience was good. Would visit again. Thank you.

Please people that are in Carlisle Please please get a reservation out standing xx

Lovely meal, friendly staff and great, clean place. Definitely recommend.

Great restaurant, food been amazing both times we have been as a party of 8. Service very good and staff nice and friendly. My only negative is their wine list is terrible, clearly been created by someone with a poor taste in wines. Over priced for such poor wines.

Amazing atmosphere and truly gorgeous food

Quiet for a Saturday night but nice place for a drink or 2!

Excellent food. Lovely attentive staff.

Great service, only went in for a quick drink, they make you feel special. The food looks amazing. Highly recommended.

Eaten here a few times, food is always very nice. Service is great. Good for groups and families and always very accommodating.

Lovely chilled place, very friendly staff and very nice cocktails.

A wonderful place to celebrate following our son's graduation! Lovely and cool on the hottest day of the year, a complimentary glass of fizz for the new graduate, delicious and well presented food, really interesting, different menu, excellent customer service, and overall great atmosphere

We had a great start to our night out here. Service was amazing and the cocktails delivered on all points. The atmosphere was great and we ordered from the starter menu as I am a big fan of satellite dinning and each dish was superb. The staff are friendly and accommodating. Fab place definitely worth a visit.

Good food, friendly helpful staff, nice atmosphere

Beautiful decor, excellent food and really nice service. Highly recommend.

Good, varied menu - relaxed atmosphere- value for money

Great atmosphere and friendly staff

Great interior, nice and quiet. But 3 out of the 4 cocktails we tried were terrible, and the staff looked like they hated their job which ruined the otherwise pleasant atmosphere.

Food was expensive but when I tell you, I don't mind.. each bite was worth my money . Defo found my spot 👌🏽👌🏽 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 nice setting and atmosphere is nice ❣️❣️

Good food, good service, good atmosphere and good company.

Good food and amazing atmosphere

A quick Google for somewhere to eat while we were visiting Carlisle for the evening resulted in us booking a table at late notice. I cannot understand how on earth they had space as the food was brilliant! The place should be packed out. I think we were lucky that our was a quiet night.

Went for a date night. The food was excellent. The only downside was one dish that could be gluten free for the starter.

Beautiful food and nice staff. The cleanest baby changing facilities I have ever seen!!!

My partner & I visited here before seeing a comedian at the Sand centre later that evening. Based on great reviews, I thought it would be the best shout… but we left really disappointed. When ordering food, the member of staff went to dash off not once but 3 times before we had finished ordering what we wanted. So that was really odd… it took over 40 minutes to get served, so much so my partner for the first time ever in a restaurant started to get really agitated as 2 other tables who entered & ordered after us, got served before us. The fish itself tasted amazing & the burger itself that my partner had was lovely, but the fries were really strange, a bit like cardboard texture. We ordered onion rings each which although looked amazing, had a really bizarre vinegar taste to them. Never were we asked if everything was okay at any point during our visit. When asking for the bill, another member of staff came over and basically dumped the receipt on the table & walked off. After 10 minutes, my partner had to get up & find a member of staff to pay the bill itself away from the table. It’s the first restaurant we’ve ever dined where we’ve never left a tip & will most certainly never return. Really odd experience & little to be desired.

Lovely restaurant with great food and was very filling.

Perfect food and good atmosphere

Little expensive but nice food and decor

Excellent food good value. The 1 bad review I would say is fake . Worth detour off m6

Great cocktails to end the evening

My friends and I visited for a roast a couple of Sundays ago. The roast options are really good, you can either choose one meat, all the meats or the vegetarian option. We really enjoyed them all! We were only sad not to see something chocolatey on the dessert menu.

One of the best Sunday Roasts I've ever had. And the bread and butter pudding was amazing!

Pretty grim place to be, sober or drunk. It stank of dhioreha on the way in which wasn't the best start, the toilets are utterly grim and also stank of poo. The drinks were well priced but not very nice, especially the beer, dont think they clean the lines very much 🤢 Not somewhere I would ever recommend.

Good service nice food what more could you ask for

Music was a bit too loud so it was hard to hear other people. Kinda a downer for a family get together.

Absolutely superb. Food was exquisite; I had the haggis bon bons with whisky sauce. Very light haggis. Treble cooked chips were perfect, and served nice and hot. Decor is very swish, and the staff are friendly and efficient, can't do enough for you. Sensible prices, disabled access and the cleanest toilets I've ever seen in a restaurant. I'd highly recommend Penny Black for an enjoyable dining experience.

Friendly staff, great food, dog friendly, brought our dog a treat too!

Bloomin loverly place to eat, great service, I can highly the burger

Myself and husband Celebrated our first wedding anniversary here and the whole service was outstanding Staff so friendly, always a smile on there face and so polite We received a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate our special day which brought a tear to my eye The food WOW!! Worth every single Penny!! Absolutely Outstanding!! We will be going back again Highly recommend 10/10

Nice friendly staff ,and food was lovely

Had the ribeye steak..very tasty 😋

Went in for a cocktail was table service excellent felt very covid safe . Male waiter came over cocktail for a strawberry daiquiri wasn't on I asked and no problem and was yummy x thanku it was my birthday today so made my day x