Solway Lounge & Garrison Bistro in Allerdale

We visited Hunters whilst staying down the road at Glendale Holiday Park. The food was delicious, and the menu has a big choice available, so it was hard to decide. Food didn't take long to arrive after we'd ordered. We phoned ahead and booked a table, pleased we did as it was busy. We took the owners up on the offer of a free taxi service back to the caravan park.

Arrived for an event for Max Out in the lake district and didnt expect to find the bistro open so was very happy. Slight problem with the coffee machine but the ladies were doing their very best and although there was quite a wait for our coffee, the service was warm and welcoming. The bacon and sausage butties were amazing, the waitress was so lovely, checking we had everything . The staff did an amazing job under pressure as a couple of hundred of us suddenly descended upon them . Bistro and bathroom were lovely and clean. Would come back if ever we were in the area.

Really friendly and welcoming staff, both in the bistro and at the adjoining B&B, and Stella was very efficient and helpful with the booking process. Dinner was very tasty, well presented and excellent value and our B&B room was spacious, comfortable and well appointed. We’d definitely visit again.

Lovely welcoming bar food choices and prices excellent staff and service excellent Only criticism would be that apart from the bar area rest of building was absolutely freezing . Will return again in summer when warmer weather.

Wasn’t sure where to put my review of the shepherd hut so I’ll do it as an all in one. I booked to stay in the Shepherds Huts as a late Valentines trip for myself and my partner. I found them on Air BnB and couldn’t fault the price- £100 for 1 night with a hot tub. We stayed in Sian’s Retreat, the hut was clean, warm and well presented with everything you’d need for a little break away. There was a log burner with wood provided and the hot tub was already heating up outside. There was a TV inside with access to Freeview channels and Netflix. I wasn’t aware from the photos on Air BnB that there was decking on the hut, if I had been I may have brought my dog knowing they’d have had some where enclosed to potter around. The only thing I would improve (as a personal preference) would maybe be offering some of the huts with a normal double bed instead of bunk beds. Sometimes I like to sit on the bed and relax and watch TV but couldn’t with it being a bunk bed. I can however see why they have chosen this layout as it was space efficient and would suit a couple with a child. Could 2 family and 2 couples huts work maybe? :) One of the best bits of the stay for me was that there was a restaurant on site, this was so handy! We had our evening meal and breakfast at the Bistro and thoroughly enjoyed both. I did misinterpret the menu when ordering a ‘pulled pork burger’ which in my head I believed to be pulled pork on a burger not just pulled pork in a bun. The lovely lady serving probably thought I was crazy when asking for mine well done! Never mind it was lovely nonetheless 😋 Staff were very friendly and the bar was extremely well stocked with several flavours of Gin for me and different varieties of Brandy for my partner. The restaurant was extremely clean too which is always a good sign! The wood burning stove was again a lovely touch, nice to come into from the horrible rain outside 🔥 We would 100% return again and next time will stay longer as 1 night went far too fast! Thank you for a lovely stay and look forward to seeing you again in future 😊

Along with 2 friends called in midway through a ride along the solely coast. The bar has the best welcoming wood burning stove I’ve ever encountered, instantly warming us up and creating a lovely lunchtime environment. We had soup, shared a giant pizza and had warm drinks, served by a lovely staff member who worked tirelessly serving us as well as other lunchtime visitors. I would definitely visit again.

My Dad and I stayed and ate here before starting our walk along Hadrian's Wall. Michelle was fantastic by keeping the bistro open for when we arrived and then showed us into our bunkhouse accommodation (which was also perfect!) before we ordered our food. The food was very enjoyable, and the homemade chips were top drawer! Michelle even let us look around the museum after our meal, and it is a delightful small museum with some very interesting items and facts. A delicious breakfast was cooked fresh to order for us before we started our walk and Michelle was excellent again in coming in early to cook it for us. She even donated her tip to our charity collection! I would definitely recommend staying and eating here.

We wanted to have an early dinner and the Garrison Bistro was ready to help us out. The barmaid was exceptionally helpful and the food was so very good. The Sticky Toffee Pudding with vanilla icecream was particularly tasty. I don't know if I have ever had such rich vanilla ice cream and it fit particularly well with the pudding.

We booked to stay at bowness leisure as it was a recommendation from the den where our friends were getting married, we were told they would provide transport to and from the venue, when we arrived at 1pm we spoke to a lovely lady in the bistro who showed us our rooms as the wedding was starting at 2pm and we wouldn't be back until late so she showed us where to go when we got back, as the rooms were ready she said we could leave our bags in the rooms rather than having to get them out the cars when we returned from the wedding!! Fantastic we thought.... we then asked her if she could arrange us a lift over to the den to which she said wouldn't be a problem she would call Ian (the owner) to take us now. After waiting in the car park a little while my husband went back to the bistro to check how long it would be and returned stating they won't take us until we pay £10 per room for checking in early..... I went to see the lady myself who told me to speak to the man behind me (Ian) I explained we weren't in the rooms had just left our bags and needed to leave ASAP to get to the wedding, I said if it was a problem we would take the bags out of the rooms to which he was very rude and snappy and said yes you do that take your bags out of the rooms!! I walked back to the car park to our friends and Ian was storming up the car park behind me I asked if he was taking us to the venue and he aggressively stated he wouldn't be taking anyone anywhere!! We were so shocked to be treated like this by the owner of this establishment!! No time to waste we had to pack our cars back up and drive to the venue ourselves!! We then had to arrange transport ourselves to drop the cars back off after the ceremony and get back again to the venue.... when trying to return home in the evening the mobile phone to call for pick up had been turned up so we had all been stranded including children!!! Luckily the lovely owners of the den transported us back to the hotel. Staff here are lovely can't fault them at all, rooms are also lovely just a shame the owner is so rude and unappreciative of his guests!!

Really lovely lunch. Only had panninis but incredibly filled. Had chips as a side but really not needed. Ate them though! Saw the garlic mushrooms ordered on the next table. They looked really amazing.

Four of us arrived like drowned rats after walking from Carlisle (final leg of our Hadrian's Wall walk) and they could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. I cannot remember who dealt with us but know she was from Essex as we had a chat about our accents, she was an absolute gem. We dried off whilst having a celebratory drink with fish and chips which was excellent. They even organised a taxi ride back for us to Carlisle. Great place, atmosphere, service, and food. Highly recommended.

Stopped in on the off chance for some food on a drizzly day - and it was brilliant - the lady serving (Michelle I think) was wonderful - food was wonderful (homemade lasagne) and it was dog friendly- wonderful!! Would definitely return if lived nearer.

This is your must stop place if you’re in the area. Lovely homey atmosphere with very friendly and attentive staff. Food was delicious, one of the best homemade lasagna we’ve ever day, delicious soup and also the bacon Brie and cranberry panini was spot on. Premises are clean and well looked after. We’ve enjoyed everything about our visit. Highly recommend. Thank you

Our cycling group of 6 were so well cared for, the Team here couldn't do enough for us, and the home made food was absolutely delicious.

I popped into the Solway Lounge and Garrison Bistro at the end of walking the Hadrian's Wall Path. What a great find it was! They have their own museum, being built from scratch, which is more or less complete, and a comprehensive menu of good value food. Charlotte, the waitress, was very friendly and extremely efficient and attentive without being intrusive. After my lunch, the staff were able to arrange for a taxi for me from Bowness to Carlisle, and I had a good chat with Ian, the owner, as he drove me back there. I thoroughly recommend the Solway Lounge for anyone who finds themselves in Bowness!

Lovely to sit outside on the sun and have a coffee and lunch at the end of a walk. Very attentive friendly service. Will be back soon

We stayed on site in the shepherd's hut so we actually had drinks, dinner and breakfast here. The drinks and hot cross buns were enjoyed sat in the sun and were very good. Pizza in the evening was excellent and was also enjoyed in the sun. We had breakfast inside and were well filled bacon rolls. Friendly service throughout.

We wandered down to the cafe to grab some breakfast after a chilly night in our campervan. To our dismay there was no sign of life when we arrived, but a local guy working nearby said he would run down the road as his mum worked there. Soon enough she was back and opening up the whole place just to feed us breakfast. We had arrived outside of their opening hours (we weren't aware) and she still kindly welcomed us and made a cracking veggie brekkie. Michelle was super friendly and informative about the local area, giving us an insight into the history and things to look out for nearby. Thank you so much for opening the doors to two scruffy travellers to have a valentine's breakfast together 🥲 those hashbrowns were life-giving! Good luck with the upcoming developments, we hope to be back one day! Mr & Mrs Moo

Finished the Hadrian Wall walk with my miniature Jack Russel and this cafe was recommended as dog friendly. The pooch’s underside and legs were dirty, therefore before popping inside I took the liberty of using the stand pipe where the caravans were parked to wash...

On arrival in Bowness-on-Solway as part of a Hadrian's Wall recce we were pleased to find the bistro open having driven past a number of pubs that don't open on Monday's and Tuesdays or were permanently closed. Restaurant users can park in the carpark, especially...

Lovely evening so drove along Solway. Called in Garrison Bistro for a meal . My husband had steak pie which had been in the oven too long and I had lasagne with some tough bits of pasta. Had a jug of tap water between us...

Happened across this lovely establishment, and we’re captivated by the generous staff, and free entertainment while waiting for our food. The food was very good, and caters for all dietary needs. The food was tasty, and all homemade. I would 100% recommend this restaurant to...

Stopped by for a coffee, really warm welcome so decided to book for dinner. We were not disappointed. A fun evening with friendly staff, great service and delicious food. Would highly recommend.

Went for Sunday late lunch and the food was beautiful. Nice choice on menu. All staff very warm and welcoming. Family friendly high recommended.

We visited today after a hike around the firth. We were immediately greeted by a lovely chap who made sure we (& our 2 dogs) were made to feel welcome. So many places say they're dog friendly but aren't really, they're dog tolerant. This place...

Woohoo! What a fantastic place and huge thanks to Katie who was brilliant and everyone made us very welcome on a visit to the area. Our fish and chips were absolutely delicious and it's well worth a visit . It's so refreshing when you are...

Three of us stopped here on Sunday and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. We didn't have a booking but that was no problem for them. We were very well looked after but not pestered. Our food was proper, home-cooked and generous platefuls. Everything...

After being recommended by at least 3 locals we decided to have an evening meal here and were not disappointed as the food was very good, hot and arrived in a timely manner The staff, though it was quiet, we're very friendly and attentive to...

Arrived here mid afternoon on last day of Hadrian's Wall walk. Very welcoming and looked after well whislt we were celebrating finishing with a bit of fizz and some food.

A thoroughly rewarding new venue in Bowness that was sorely needed! We ate there over two nights and also had coffees one morning - all well made and very pleasantly served. Decent choice of beers with plans for a microbrewery in the future. Pizzas are...

Absolutely fantastic accommodation. Stayed in family room which was double and double bunk beds. Our girls stayed in twin room. Beds in same league as premier inn. Fantastic nights sleep. Rooms top spec. Only point would be the bed on top bunk are to big...

1st comment on here... But more of a warning... Biggest waste of £70 I have had yet.... 90s dance blasting.... 3 wayword regulars.. food was poor too dismal.. pate ????? That's how it is on the menu, also they sell steak...which cut???? Staff unsure on...

Excellent food, all home made, 4 of us dined there and kept going back, fish and chips to die for, solway burger is a must try and the vegetarian options were great, attentive service and very reasonably priced. If we go back to the area...

My wife and I and 2 friends visited tonight,to celebrate my wife’s birthday. Ian picked us up from cottage & Glendale caravan park,and took us to his restaurant,we were served our drinks,and given menus,3 had 3 steaks and 1 venison pie,all the meals were excellent,as...

Stopped for lunch here on a glorious day taking a table in the courtyard. Good friendly service, wide ranging menu and first class food all at a sensible price. Will certainly be back.

Stopped after the Hadrian’s wall walk - food was good, very reasonable value, good portions, friendly service and some unexpected free range chickens (very cute).

My wife, son, and I had bypassed this restaurant and went to the local pub twice as the restaurant looked expensive. later in the week we went there for dinner. The food was excellent and the service was very friendly and prompt, The best food...

My wife and I visited tonight,we got the service bus from our static caravan park(cottage & Glendale) and were met by Ian the very friendly owner,we ordered some drinks and decided to sit outside in the courtyard,we asked what the waiting time for food was,as...

First time for everything they say , it was . A visit to a place I didn't know existed. Beautiful surroundings, excellent facilities and top hospitality by the owner and staff,food was beautiful, nothing any trouble . Thank you so much for joining in with...

Very friendly, attentive and helpful staff. Food was very good. Lasagne came with chips and garlic bread, so be prepared for a carb overload! The pizzas were well cooked with a nice thin crispy base. The restaurant is part of a new development with holiday...

relaxing place to watch the world go by ... walkers finishing Hadrians Wall walk ... plus the chickens in the yard ! good food good beer .. staff helpful and friendly. great place to celebrate the end of the wall walk.

Had a warm welcome and very obliging at first , ordered our meal to the man in charge , it was very busy and we didn’t mind waiting but one hour 25 mins later I did enquire where our good was and they told us...

We stayed here for just one evening in a shepherds hut. What an outstanding little place! Immaculately clean, throughout. Thoughtful touches and such a friendly place . Both Ian and the staff were extremely welcoming. Choose to dine at the bistro and were blown away...

After finishing our Hadrians Wall walk my wife and I decided to have lunch at Hunters Bistro. A lovely relaxing atmosphere and made to feel very welcome by the owner. We had pre-booked evening meal for the local pub not knowing about Hunters….we soon found...

I have to say this was my second time within two weeks having a meal in this gem of a place , where do I start …. I think sometimes a most important part of the experience is how you are served , treated by...

We needed a place to stay to break up the journey back from Scotland. Booked one of the 4 shepherd huts at last minute and it was perfect. Very unique - cosy but comfortable. Lovely on site shop ( including old style sweet selection) and...

We visited Bowness on Solway for the weekend to do some walking and relax. We can’t thank Ian and the team enough for making us so welcome. The facilities are brilliant and they can’t do enough for you (and we weren’t even staying there. )...

My wife and I rang,and ordered 2 off fish & chips to takeaway. They were very good,massive fish and really nice chips,great quality,and great value,we will definitely be back and try the bistro,when times allow,see you soon.

The food is to die for the staff are really friendly and helpful at this time with covid around the restaurant is set out really well for space and all staff wear masks making you feel safe..really enjoyed our meal good size portions and well...

Sunday lunch with my family absolutely amazing... Wonderful friendly atmosphere felt very safe under current circumstances of Covid, lots of safty features around the bar and restaurant. The lunch was fantastic, lamb was cooked to perfection and definitely recommended as a family friendly restaurant. My...

Lovely restaurant a few yards from the seashore on the Solway Coast in the centre of Bowness on Solway a pretty village a few miles from Carlisle and on the Roman Wall walk and perhaps a half hours drive from the Lake District. Always receive...

Enjoyed a lovely Sunday afternoon eating and drinking in the Bistro. The food was amazing, service was excellent and the atmosphere was relaxing. Topped off with a round a delicious coffees and deserts while we watched the cute chickens run around the grounds. We would...

My second visit to this welcoming eatery. Such a nice atmosphere and owner and lovely staff could not do enough to make our visit a relaxing experience. Good choice of food and drinks.

Attend the bistro on Thursday and the food was amazing, the staff fabulous and friendly, nothing was too much trouble, definitely recommend it.

Staying in the accommodation here and found this bar and restaurant a lovely welcoming place. Had 3 different meals here and all were excellent, the food was delicious, very hot and well presented. The bar is well stocked and the staff are so friendly. Covid...

What can I say , Ian ,and his team along with his wonderful wife Stella have worked so hard to make this business work .the detail of the decor is very fitting for Bowness on Solway , The food is outstanding and the bistro itself...

Visited at lunch time, great choice of menu for either snacks or meals, my partner had mixed grill I had fish chips granddaughter had panni, all very good hot and well presented not to long to wait, everywhere clean, hand gel on all tables, outside...

Just visited this amazing bistro right at the end of the Roman Wall walk on the beautiful Solway Firth. The atmosphere was buzzing with happy relaxed people enjoying the delicious food. There was a good choice on the menu including vegetarian and gluten free options....

From the moment Ian picked us up from Glendale caravan park we knew we were in for a great experience and we were not disappointed. A warm welcome from Carl behind the bar , shown to our seats in a stunning setting that is so...

Visited Bowness on Solway today for walking the dog and call in at the Solway Restaurant & Bistro for a coffee and cakes. The welcome was very friendly and the food and drinks were very much appreciated. Will definitely return again soon to sample the...

This little restaurant tucked away in the village has great potential but needs to make some improvements. It was mid week early evening and there was only one other couple in the restaurant. Ordered but it took almost an hour for the food to arrive....

The setting is stunning, the food excellent and the staff are very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening meal in the bistro, with plenty of choice on the menu. Very spacious and well thought out layout with good separation of tables and felt...

Fantastic bar and bistro in the lovely village of Bowness-on-Solway. Firstly amazing staff, beautiful restaurant and the food is first class. What more can you ask for? Oh yes that’s right a brilliant pint too! Well worth a trip along the beautiful coastline to find...

A new modern and trendy bistro that serves great food with a smile. You experience a friendly inviting atmosphere with a great selection of alcoholic drinks available. A relaxing place to spend time chilling in a piece of cumbria’s History.

Friendly staff, stunning decor, beautiful food, great bar . Couldn’t be better . Highly recommended *****