Sportsmans Restaurant in Carlisle

We’ve just returned from an incredible evening at the March Bank hotel. I booked a table for a family of five - including 2 fussy teenagers! Every plate went back clean. The service, the food and the whole experience were amazing. Seriously cannot fault it. Located in a beautifully decorated house, with great original art works it was a truly great meal hosted by a lovely family. Can’t wait to come back.

A friend who fly-fishes in the area recommended this hotel. We stayed two nights. It is a small hotel set back from the main road overlooking the Esk valley. The en-suite rooms are a good size and comfortable. The food is excellent and reasonably priced with good service.

The hotel had all the facilities to prevent the spread of COVID19 with hand sanitiser and masks. Great hotel for fishermen with knowledgeable owners (Richard & Claire)

This place has a superb, unusual and varied menu-stuff you just don't get anywhere else. A very tempting selection. Visited as a party of four and we could not fault the quality of the food, value for money and excellent service.

We had a great stay here recently. The staff are great and the food is first class. It is set back from the main road so quiet.

I've passed this hotel many a time and decided to dine there recently. Meals enjoyed included starters of scallops (yes pleural and there were more than one), black pudding and mains of halibut and lamb. The deserts were excellent too. Decent wine list, great staff and a cosy atmosphere right on the A7.

We always stay here on our way north to the Western Isles and also for sporting activities locally. The food is delicious and beautifully cooked and it's no wonder booking is essential. Our hosts Richard and Claire are delightful and work so hard to make every visit a treat for us. There is nowhere more welcoming and we will keep coming back!

I've just enjoyed the best afternoon tea I've had in a very long time at the March Bank. Service was very friendly and professional, the lounge was cosy and very comfortable and the food was super. It featured four very good flavour sandwiches including freshly cooked salmon with cucumber and chicken with avocado, three different types of fresh scones (cheese, plain & fruit with top quality jam and oodles of clotted cream), Pimms jellies, divine lemon roulade, ultimate chocolate cake, Bakewell tart, to die for earl grey shortbread and a magnificent sponge cake. There was unlimited tea and coffee and as much time as we wanted with exclusive use of the lounge for our party of twelve. I can't recommend the experience strongly enough!!!!

I am mystified as to how anyone could give the Sportsman a poor review. I've been staying for some years now and it really has to be the most comfortable, friendly place to eat and stay. The food is always the freshest of local produce, superbly cooked by Richard, and requests for dishes not on the menu are accommodated with a little notice. The family are so helpful; we were even loaned a road map on our most recent stay.

Took my partner for a meal on her birthday on the 27th Feb. Booked for 7pm. Asked what we required from menu. Partner ordered duck, I ordered salmon. Waitress told of my food allergy to onions and mushrooms. Severe reaction to onions. Called into dining area 7.40 PM. Waited 15 minutes to be served very small piece of fatty salmon on a bed of destroyed spinach with a slimy sauce. My side plate contained potatoes covered in onions and sauce. I informed the waitress again of my allergy to onion. She took the dish away. I waited. No alternative. So left with slimy salmon and spinach. Immediately I tried the dish, I had a reaction as in eating onions. I was very ill and had to leave as soon as my partner had finished. No apology, no reduction in the cost of a very sub standard meal. This is the worst service I have ever encountered. There was a culture of disinterest. I will certainly inform my colleagues of the service we got.

We live locally and have enjoyed coming here for about 25 years, especially on our wedding anniversaries! We love the relaxed, friendly atmosphere that Richard & Claire Moore and family have created. We suddenly realised that we've never done a review! So here goes ..... but what can we say? Every meal is delicious whether we have fish or game or steak. The vegetables are always fresh and perfectly cooked. The surroundings are always comfortable. The service is always great - on this occasion our waiter was Richard & Claire's son Harrington. Richard always makes time from cooking for a chat and joke with us. This time we were informed by a family staying in the hotel on a fishing trip that breakfast is amazing : maybe next time we should book in for a weekend!....... To sum up, if you enjoy a country atmosphere and local fresh food/fish/game, this is perfect.

I think the person who put the negative review on, probably a man, must have been delirious from his high fever. This is an amazing place if your 'thing' is country house hotels. The food is delicious, fresh and local, conjured into an extensive menu by the host, the specials board is exceptional. The host, his family and the young staff are welcoming and professional and we came away with admiration and thanks for their hospitality.

This gem of a hotel is a fantastic place to eat and stay overnight or longer.The owners are second to none in their hospitality with their friendly and caring nature. We stayed overnight and the 6 of us each had different starters and main courses which were superbly prepared and delivered to our table with professionalism and were beautiful. This hotel is simply the best!!

Myself and now wife have ate on plenty of occasions at The Marchbank for nearly 10 years. This summer we got married and myself being English and my wife Scottish we held our reception in a marquee on the front lawn at The Marchbank right on the Border! Straight from our first discussions with Richard & Claire the owners about the idea they couldn't have been more helpful. Straight away they agreed without any reservations and although a large wedding at The Marchbank is not an everyday occurrence- everything went off without a hitch. At the end of June, 130 day guests and another 70 evening guests were treated to the fabulous hospitality, food & drink that we have come to love & enjoy about The Marchbank. We even stayed over night!!! Our one stay in the hotel was great. The 'bothy' was spotlessly clean, well decorated, well furnished and the breakfast was as good as the lunch/ evening meals. Should stay more often!!! We still regularly eat at the restaurant and the food, service, hospitality are always top notch. The specials board menu regularly changes with fresh local produce that is always expertly cooked. The wine choices are varied and well priced and the welcome of all the staff is always pleasing. I cannot commend The Marchbank highly enough.

Lesson one: Serve me the wrong wine and them explain you got drunk at lunchtime and were still a little muddled. Lesson two: Give me a sirloin steak that I cant cut and don't give a stuff when it is returned to the kitchen Lesson three: When a client has flu and a temperature of 102 calling them Mr Sick is not friendly Lesson four: Give me a bill that hasn't been itemised. A final note. If want a job where you can offend and insult your customers try banking or insurance....but for Gods sake, don't run a hotel you arrogant, self opinionated idiot

We stayed here on Saturday evening. We have been before and it's always a pleasure to return. The Owners and Staff are friendly and welcoming and we had a very comfortable nights sleep in the 'Bothy' which is beautifully furnished. Dinner was delightful. The menu has a variety of locally sourced produce with daily specials. My Wife and I chose Scallops to start and a Lobster salad with New Potatoes for the main course which were delicious, and we even managed a pudding, fabulous! Looking forward to our next visit!

Organised a small party at The Marchbank -great local food, excellent friendly service, lovely spacious and well appointed room. Overall a great small family run country house hotel.

the staff and the view and the pretty hotel the amazing customer service and the fantastic food. The bar was well stocked and great relaxed atmoshpere and the lake seemed full of fish :)

For the last 3 years we have been dining at Marchbank and the food quality never disappoints. They seemed to have reduced the prices slightly which did concern me as I thought the quality may have suffered but I needn't have worried the service and food were still first class. Would highly recommend this to any foody!!!!

We returned because we expected a friendly welcome, lovely room and wonderful food. We were not disappointed. Our room was very comfortable and we relaxed with a cuppa before going to the bar for a pre dinner drink The menu offered tempting choices but we both chose game dishes from the seasonal local produce on the specials board and they were two of the nicest meals we have eaten anywhere. Not only quality but plenty to fill us. After a good nights sleep it was a challenge to manage a full english breakfast but it set us up for a full day out in the area. It was deja vu when we got back to the hotel, consistency we now take for granted.Just the best place we ever stay and we have been visiting for about seventeen years - long may Richard and Claire and their family reign.

Took my 88yr old Dad for his birthday lunch, we all thoroughly enjoyed our food and all chose different things! Pigeon breast with black pudding, seasonal duck and veg followed by sponge pudding with raspberries and custard..... Sublime. Service was first class. Definitely a great place for Sunday lunch!

My husband and I were delighted to find the 'Marchbank Hotel,' as good dining options are hard to find in the Canonbie/border area. 'Marchbank Hotel' was recommended to us by our B & B hosts at Byreburnfoot Country House. 'Marchbank' has a good reputation locally for their incorporation of fresh game on the menu. My garlic mushroom starter was a bit of a disappointment. To my mind, it was no different to a larger portion of the type of chopped up mushrooms served as an accompaniment to breakfast. My main course baked Salmon was delicious. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his 'Sportsman's' game orientated main. The wine list has something for everyone, the separate bar/lounge area is intimate and cosy, and the service is excellent.

This was our second visit to this restaurant whilst staying nearby on holiday.All the staff are friendly and helpful and the food is absolutely beautiful - even my extremely fussy son enjoyed his food here. Would love to visit again and also stay in the hotel part.Highly recommend.

Following a walk from nearby Longtown we made it to the restuarant. Although we were a bit late the hosts were very accommodating and we both had an excellent meal, they even gave us a lift home. We were so impressed we returned the next day for another excellent meal.

Went to the restaurant in 2010 whilst staying in Carlisle, it was recommended. It was so good that we all agreed that one day we would go back again.Finally got there last week. As we had a baby with us this time, we booked lunch and they opened just for us.The food was as wonderful as we remembered. If you're up in this part of the world, don't miss having a meal at The Sportsman's Arms at The Marchbank.

My wife and I stayed at the Marchbank Hotel on 1 July 2013 for one night before traveling back to Telford the next day.Our hosts gave us a very friendly welcome by providing tea upon our arrival and made sure that we felt at ease throughout our stay. The hotel is situated a distance away from the A7 set in its own grounds. The bedroom was spacious and afforded a lovely view of the surrounding countryside. The bed was very comfortable and we had a good nights sleep. The bedroom and bathroom (which had recently been renovated) were spacious and spotlessly clean.The dinner in the evening was very tasty and at affordable prices and the breakfast in the morning was according to our choice and served hot so as to set us up well for our onward journey. We would definitely return to the Marchbank Hotel if we were to visit the area in future. Furthermore, we have no hesitation in recommending the Marchbank Hotel and Restaurant to family members and/or friends.Hazel and Manfred Baur, Telford

I've stayed in many hotels and eaten many meals (my waistline would agree!) - but this weekend's visit to the Marchbank Hotel near Longtown (almost in Scotland) was out of this world. We arrived on spec without booking after a long (10.5 mile) charity row across Windermere - so what we needed was comfort, fluffy towels, fabulous food and a really brilliant northern welcome. Thankfully the Marchbank had one room left and from the minute we said..."is it a twin?" and Mrs Moore said "it can be", we knew this was a very special place. No wonder all the residents in the hotel have been there many times before and keep coming back. The food - steak, haggis, raspberry meringue, full English breakfast - was absolutely faultless, very tasty, served with a smile and genuine pleasure and interest in people. We both said we would definitely come back with the special people in our lives... and if there were ever a wedding to plan, this is the place to book out entirely. My favourite aspect was Harrington, the gorgeous young waiter, who could not do enough to please us - I don't think it's because he's in Year 9 and he worked out we were headteachers! The whole experience - stunningly comfy, warm rooms, great shower, quiet and peaceful location - was heaven-sent. Thank you to the Moore family. x

We are fortunate to have Marchbank on our doorstep and go for a meal once or twice a month. The food is wonderful, and the hospitality shown by Richard and Claire simply the best. Can't recommend it highly enough.

A friendly welcome and decent food on the tourist route from Edinburgh to Carlisle. Home cooking simple ingredients well cooked and served in a homely dining room with a separate bar . It's in a nice elevated position with good views across the open countryside. It's also very reasonably priced. I'll be back .

We have been eating At Marchbank for over 15 years and have never had cause to complain.The food is excellent well cooked to perfection and Richard and Clare with their welcoming service make it a delight to dine there. We dine on a regular basis and always take friends when they visit. The person who wrote the terrible comment must have the wrong restaurant and owner.

We stayed here last weekend, the rooms are great - v generous size and the food and service are second to none.It is a magical , family run place, focus on brilliant smoked salmon and locally sourced game. The husband and wife team are really dedicated, friendly and customer focused. We were really made to feel welcome and the food is honest, rustic and delicious. It's really exceptional value for money as well. Round here there are not many options for really good quality, considered food and service but Marsh Bank is number one for these.Really special weekend.

We went here as a guest of a friend and must admit it is a really comfortable place with a real family feel about it. There were three of us and our starters were the mussels, mushrooms an bacon and the smoked salmon with the main courses being the partridge, the duck and the game pie. All dishes were not only well presented but perfectly cooked to our liking. A special mention should to the game pie, the warning on the menu that it may contain shot is quite humorous however it is clear that they use the very best of succulent ingredients as it was really delicious. The lemon tart was very refreshing and the port and pears were superb. All in all an excellent dining experience with efficient and friendly staff.

Eat here on semi regular basis. Everyone is given a friendly greeting, and made to fee very much at home. Richard's food is simply gorgeous, and when requested dishes can usually be adapted if a guest has a food intolerance. Lots of local produce is used. Delicious delicious delicious.

Just spent a lovely weekend on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th September. Service was brilliant and the food was excellent. Our room was fab too. The owners Mr and Mrs Moore were very kind and helpful. We are already planning our next visit!

My wife and I visited this restaurant on Sunday evening. Rather foolishly I had not connected the name of the restaurant with any kind of shooting \ fishing which would have been sensible given that my wife does not eat meat, fish or eggs!However all was taken well by the charming wait staff and within a couple of minutes my wife was talking to the chef about what she would like to eat.My choices were widespread and I had some delicious smoked salmon followed by the best liver I have ever eaten.My wife enjoyed a fruit medley to start with followed by a filo pastry basket with spinach cheese and almonds served with samphire and rice.A relaxing coffee each was followed by the bill which was a really pleasant surprise as they had charged a very reasonable £6.95 for my wife's special dish.The whole ambiance was very relaxing and I would think this would be a great place to stay as well.

If there were a scoring system for unhappy customers then I would and will score it a -10 out of 10.Shame as the food appeared to have potential on the menu.Joke of a host.Male owner needs to look closely at his manner, not just to meet the requirements of his usual clientele but to prospective travellers too looking for a place to.stay.The actual hotel in.a sorry state of disrepair i.e. Dump!He was very lucky to have met me in such a good mood the way he treated my mother and myself.Good luck keeping the act going.

My wife and I along with family and friends have been going to the Sportsman’s restaurant within the Marchbank hotel for a number of years, and now having recently joined trip advisor, have decided to tell the world of this unique country house hotel offering the very best cuisine. We don’t do cheap bar meals, but would rather opt for fine food in comfortable surroundings with excellent service.Marchbank offers all of the above. Proprietors Richard and Claire Moore are fine hosts. Richard is head chef while Claire is front of house. Game and Fish (all fresh) play a big part of the menu, which is extensive, accompanied with a well stocked bar and an impressive wine list. We, along with many other customers, tend not to look at the menu as the specials board is far too appealing and we struggle to choose from that. The food is fresh, with majority of it locally sourced. We do like the fact that Richard comes out from the kitchen to say hello and guides you through the menu/specials board explaining what each dish consists of and how it is cooked. Once served the presentation is excellent, from the starters through to the deserts. Our last visit was 22nd July when my wife enjoyed homemade tomato soup followed by fresh salmon with prawns, alongside boiled potatoes and vegetables and homemade pineapple sponge and custard for desert. I opted for game terrine with red onion chutney followed by lamb shank with red wine gravy, finishing with a homemade lemon tart. Coffee in the bar along with a chat with other diners/guests finished the evening off.

We went to Marchbank Hotel for a special birthday meal after hearing and reading some very positive reviews.We were very warmly greeted by the owners Richard and Claire and sat and perused the menu in the cosy bar area with a drink.We were shown to our table and had a really excellent meal in fantastic surroundings. Excellent locally sourced venison, beef, lamb etc all cooked to perfection.

Haven't been for a while so I'd forgotten how good the meals were. Food always served to an excellent high standard and hotel is not too far from home so perfect choice for us. I was a bit dissapointed there was no lemon cheesecake on the desert menu as Marchbank's lemon cheese cake can not be beaten in my book.

We recently came here with friends to celebrate a friends birthday. Not being from the area, we had no expectations and did not know what the restaurant would be like. Upon entry we were pleasently greeted and were shown to the bar for pre-dinner drinks. There was plenty to choose from on the menu, including game pie and steak with smoked salmon. The food was simply excellent and could not be faulted by any of us. The staff were exceptionally friendly and very accomodating. This is a restaurant to be recommended and definitly worth a visit if you are in the area and looking for somewhere special to eat.

Enjoyed a one night stay at marchbank. The food was lovely and was popular with the locals. We had a nice room with a four poster & ensuite. Only drawback was no shower, however not a problem for the owners to let us use another in the morning. Might have been tricky if the hotel had been full .Much prefer to stay stay in individual hotels and avoid the chains, this hotel had a nice personality with some personal touches by the owners. One teeny weeny negative would be the dark blue paint in the hallways and doors which was a bit depressing, but perhaps that's just me!All in all very good.

Having stayed at this delightful family run hotel for our Langholm Shooting trips for many years I had to write a review. We are superbly taken care of from the moment of our arrival, being offered tea and cakes as our bags magically disappear to our newly decorated rooms. Richard, knowing our tastes, cooked, fresh Queen scallops followed by ten beautifully pink local racks of lamb. We were treated to their son Harrington's Lemon Drizzle cake on our last evening while his father knocked up a stunning woodcock and belly pork salad as a starter for two of our party. Great food, very friendly atmosphere and superbly located.We left with our dates for our next visit firmly in the hotel diary. Many thanks. Marc Stevenson & The Kent Team

If you wish to enjoy the benefits of a small family run hotel then this is the place for you. Tastefully refurbished over the last two years by owners Richard and Clare Moore they can be guaranteed to provide you with an experience par excellence. Fundamental to that experience is the food served in the Sportsman's Restaurant. Chef/patron Richard must be one of the great "undiscovered" chefs of our time. If a comprehensive menu is not sufficient, there is also a very tempting selection of daily specials. Whilst the whole experience relies heavily on locally sourced quality products, game is a regular feature of his recipes. On my recent visit the starters included fresh scallops served with a balsamic reduction to die for. This I followed with a fillet steak, served on a bed of haggis. This was not just steak - this was one of the best I have ever had. Guinea fowl, duck. pheasant and lamb provide a multi-faceted choice. If you can manage it, following coffee in the well stocked bar, time to start getting ready for breakfast! Where else can you be torn in your choices, in addition to traditional fayre, between a smoked salmon omellete or a kipper served with double cream?

We stayed at Marchbank for two nights having previously only eaten there in 2009. We found it very comfy and relaxing and the family members were very friendly to us. I can never understand the attraction of four poster beds which our room had but the mattress was extremely comfortable. The bathroom was spacious and attractive and only lacked a shower. The standard of the food at both breakfast and dinner was excellent but, as we don't eat meat, there was not much choice on the dinner menu for us. I feel sure though that, had we asked the owners in advance, they would have provided a meatless meal for us. As we do eat fish this was only a minor problem.

This hotel and restaurant is one of the most friendly relaxing and tasty places i have ever visited - we have been going there for quite a few years now with friends from all over the world - every time the food is outstanding - the owners are very welcoming to everyone and the staff so very helpful- the menu and specials board consist of mouth watering dishes which are all freshly prepared by the owner and are delicious - if in the area try this wonderful eating experience or stay overnight in the beautful decorated rooms with lovely views