The Courtyard Restaurant in Barrow-in-Furness

Lovely setting and very airy, comfortable seating and tables. The menu choice was varied but I felt a little over priced for what it was. Don’t get me wrong the quality of food and service was excellent. However, as a business traveller my clients stipulate a price cap on subsistence rates. I struggled to have a starter or dessert, main course and one drink within a fairly generous allowance. The food is great but this is not an ‘upmarket’ restaurant. Maybe need to review pricing against local area, venue and typical guests. But no complaints about quality of food, service or setting.

Went there for a family birthday party and had a great time. The food and the staff were fantastic, nothing was to much trouble. There was a lovely atmosphere because everyone was happy and contented. Would recommend and will be visiting there again later this month.

Succinct : a three course menu , brilliant choices, excellently prepared. and ever so nice to eat. Nice wine. good service, casual ambiance. Simple, tasty and very reasonable for such cost.

In complete and stark contrast to our stay........ the restaurant was good, friendly staff and pleasant surroundings.

Had a few meals here , great food in a lovely setting and excellent service it's a lovely atmosphere and staff are very Friendly X

Always a treat to dine here be it breakfast or sumptuous Sunday lunch.A breakfast will last all day so take advantage of the local Cumberland sausages.

My friend & I came for a treat and boy was it a treat !!! On arrival we asked for cocktails then ordered wine with our meal. The egg thing in a nest - haven't a clue what it was but it tasted lovely, this was complimentary by the way...my friend ordered the scallops & I had the parsnip & walnut verutè - both absolutely exquisite. For our mains we both ordered the duck which again was lovely & cooked just how we wanted, I chose the red cabbage with mine whilst my friend ordered the chips (this way we could share) At this point we were both quite full but we couldn't resist desserts so we ordered the peanut butter & chocolate parfait and the rhubard custard - both extremely well presented & tasted devine. If you are looking for fine dining then this is the place to go, the starters range from £7-£10, mains £16-£25 & desserts £7. They do a steak for two people for £52 which the couple next to us had & it is carved on a seperate table on a wooden board so you can see it - looked mouth watering. Drinks are quite pricey but you expect this at a high end establishment. We ended our evening with a nightcap & happy full tummy. Highly recommend !!!

Nachdem die Servicekraft auf uns aufmerksam wurde und wir nach Cream Tea im Garten fragten, wurde dort für uns ein Tisch gereinigt und der Tee in der Silberkanne serviert. Die hausgemachten Scones mit Clotted Cream und selbstgemachter Marmelde waren ein Traum. Das bestellte Sandwich "entpuppte" sich als Nobel-Hamburger. Alles von Top Qualität zu einem fairen Preis!

A special night out……………………………… I was looking forward to a good evening out with friends and had booked the Christmas special menu, but things turned out most disappointing. As an occasional treat I used to like Clarence House Hotel but it seemed as when I went recently that the owner and staff had left, or was their night off. Entered in and was greeted with have you booked, not even good evening sir or madam. Ordered our drinks whilst waiting for the rest of the party, had to ask the bar tender for a slice of lemon in the G&T’s, not a good start. Not many people in the spot, a poor sign as it used to be full. No one offered to take our coats so just sat in them. Rest of the party arrived and still no coats taken so most sat with coats on until called for dinner, so we left our coats to see if anyone would take them to the cloakroom. Our party struggled with the drinks, they used to bring a tray and carry then through. Sat down at a cramped table, do not understand why as there were only about 24 people in the spot all night. Asked for water for the entire group but then had to ask for glasses for everyone. Starters started to arrive, but we had to ask for the wine menu, which completely threw them out and we all sat waiting for the last person in the party to get their starter. Ours had gone cold by then do was rubbish. Next course of soup was luke warm and with dead heavy rolls you could sink a battleship with. Next the mains which should have been simple as most of use having the same, well I have never had venison as tough as old boots, a hammer and chisel needed for the roast potatoes, the same for at least one other in the group. Vegetables most uninspiring and plonked on an already cramped table. In the end two of us just left the mains. No one came up to the table during the meal to ask if everything was OK. Finally the desserts, again 50% arrived and someone had to get up from the table and ask at the bar if there were problems in the kitchen as we are still without our dessert. Bar tender, if you could even call him that, wandered into the kitchen and the rest started to come out some five minutes later, most sent back as now not wanted. Went back into the conservatory for coffees, which duly arrived and placed on a small table, but no offer to serve it to us. Clarence was once that special place to go for fine dining but now more, don’t expect any service or anything special, something had drastically happened to the place…….. Avoid like the plague until it gets back on its feet for new management, there are much better eating spots in the area.

Oh My God! I have never seen such a beautifully decorated hotel outside of London. I travelled all day to dine at Clarence House and was purely exhausted when I landed. While sat in the lounge waiting for my work colleagues I took coffee to wake me up. Nicely presented on a silver tray with the offer of it to be poured I felt quite regal. When all the party arrived we were taken through to the dining room where we experienced a most fantastic meal. Again I was shocked as this little hotel on the top of a hill in Dalton really does know how to pull out all the stops. The wine list complimented the food, the service was pleasantly discreet and the decorations well they are simply beautiful.All in all we had a wonderful time. My only disappointment was I could not stay at the hotel as they were fully booked but I will next time I visit.

Enjoyed a first class Christmas meal at Clarence House on Saturday and there really is no where better. The setting is beautifully festive - such detail in the Christmas decorations and the food (as always) was sublime. All staff are doing a great job to ensure you are looked after from the minute you walk into their welcoming reception, to the minute you leave full of wonderful food and wine! We will make a point of going back before the New Year - too good not to.

I went here the other night, I come quite a lot however i was nervous coming this time as I heard that all the chefs had left and gone to another restaurant (I can't remember the name) but turns out I was right to be worried the dishes we had were terrible and cold, despite complaining about this we had no change and no refund, hardly touched anything on the plate it was that disgusting. I complained to a miserable woman called carol who didn't even smile once throughout the night the only one who was any help was a lovely young woman who couldn't apologise enough and even suggested puddings to us (which didn't disappoint) the sticky toffee pudding was the only good thing about the night, then carol came over again and asked if we would like any tea or coffee, ordered 2 coffees which took 30 mins to arrive! I will not be coming again. Hopefully I can find where the other chefs went to as the food they served was always excellent.

Well the surly staff definitely weren't. The service spoiled a lovely afternoon. We had to ask for extra vegetables as each plate was served with so little-2 sprouts with the turkey dish and none with the beef.The gravy was also served on the plates and again we had to ask for more. The extras eventually arrived when most had almost finished. Also had to ask for water for the table. Not what you would expectfrom a 4* establishment. Having said that most of us enjoyed our meal. On the plus side Clarence House is a lovely setting for a large or small party and was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

When dining here for dinner or lunch always had excellent service and beautifully cooked food. We call in for coffee and cake with friends quite a bit but on the last visit had our lunch. Pauline my wife usually plumbs for seafood and chose salmon, my choice was seabass, desert was apple pie and icecream. Lovely atmosphere and delightful staff.

Have dined at Clarence House many times over the years but feel the menu and food on our recent visit was disappointing. My husband would have liked to try the canapés but the prawn and crab were all served on a slice of cucumber which is indigestible for him. The samosa and spring rolls were unexciting. One of our party sent back her over cooked lamb and by the time she received a replacement, we had almost finished our mains. We asked three times before table water was served, not impressed.

Little bit more expensive than your usual eateries but well worth the money. A good wine list and attentive waiting on staff.

Clarence House has a beautiful back drop and the restaurant is nice and relaxing. The starter soup was very nice my favourite part of the meal.I ordered the lobster Thermidor and the lobster was nice but the sauce and cheese they cover it in is quite simply disgusting. I was looking forward to the chocolate plate to make up for the bad main meal but again it disappointed me, definitely not worth £6.00.I can't believe the chef can send poor food out and charge them prices, menu definitely needs to be changed. Won't be rushing back for food

Booked fizzy Friday with friends. Buffet and a glass of fizz. Was surprised to see the buffet was in courses, one course equals one visit. Not a great choice of food , many things repeated round the table but it was presented. Potato salad was lovely. We were swiftly given our glass of fizz as we sat down. Furniture is tired, in need of some updating or tlc. Some of the staff were genuinely friendly, while others were miserable and moaning about their job to the customers - to be fair I can see why with the way one of the guys was barking orders at his staff!Lovely garden area to sit outside if weather is nice. Had a nice day but probably wouldn't rush back - would expect better based on its reputation.

Have just been for an evening meal in your restaurant, very disappointing. The standard was definately not 4 star. I had lobster Thermidor which was sent out only just lukewarm, the sauce was cold and had a skin on top like cold custard, fish should never be served lukewarm, a breeding ground for salmonella . Coffee was served before the dessert so it was cold by the time I got to drink it . My husbands £22.00 steak was full of fat, to be honest could of had far better meals for half the price at a local pub. Table service wasn't great, no spoon for sugar bowl, was I expected to use my fingers or the spoon i stirred my coffee with? I hope not! I have worked in hospitality and the hotel trade for 35 yrs and certainly wouldn't rate this place anywhere near 4 star, definately will not be coming back again

This hotel is living on a old reputation went on farthers day and it was diabolical the staff clearly did not want to be there and food was tasteless and cold . We will never go again and when we wrote to complain you only get excuses and lies saying things were sorted on the day absolute rubbish complete waste of money stay away .

My friend Nic loves this place, she took me along and I could totally see why. It's warm friendly, beautiful surroundings inside and out. Service and menu ideal. I wish I lived nearer it would be a regular for me too if I did.

I ate at Clarence House twice this week and on both occasions I could not criticise the food. It was fine ,but what disappointed me was the lack of friendliness of the staff. On both occasions the company I was with was hurried out . Staff appeared to want to clear away ready for the next party.

My wife raves over the fizzy Friday at Clarence house having been many times. So she finally persuaded me to accompany her for a lunch time treat! We were warmly greeted straight away by the polite but professional waiter and seated in the couched conservatory and promptly given our fizz. I must admit some of the furnishing is looking a little tatty and tired these days, or I just hadn't noticed on my last night time visit! The Restaurant was half full the day we went and as usual immaculately presented We just had the hors d'oeuvres and dessert, it wasn't hors d'oeuvres as I had imagined but more of a grown up buffet where you are allowed one visit to fill your plate with what ever takes your fancy there was fresh Salmon, sliced boiled ham, Prawns and Sliced pork pie sausages pieces and eggs topped with mayo. with salads sauces and coleslaws and fresh bread to carve. Even though what I had was very nice I felt that some crudités and some amuse bouche bites and small finger sandwiches would raise the experience to another level. For dessert there was a choice of meringues a large bowl of freshly prepared fruit, scones, strawberries, cream and a selection of three cheeses chutney grapes and crackers that you served yourself and couldn't fault! Would I return for fizzy Friday, yes, but I wouldn't rush back.

Astonishingly good value. Would be hard pressed to find this level of cuisine and service for under £70 a head anywhere else... at £40 a head for four courses including wine, this is a gem. Prawn canapes a little oily and the chocolate brownie in the chocolate mousse desert was a little superfluous. Otherwise beautifully cooked and presented food, in good portions. The venison and bramble was particularly fine. Staff were friendly and unfussy. Will return...

I always order soup and sandwich and I'm never disappointed,always fantastic,the staff are excellent.The homemade puddings and cakes are to die for

I have just written a review on the hotels page stating the steaks are the best I have tasted. When dining with colleagues it can be sometimes a challenge where to eat but after our new discovery this will now not be a problem. Quality oozes in this hotel!!

My husband and I stayed at Clarence House for a Weekend Break in January. Not only was the weekend break value for money but the food was amazing. I would highly recommend this hotel for its restaurant.

Had the most perfect Christmas lunch today with my husband Dave, my parents, and Mother in law everything top class, the food, presentation, the service, smartness and friendliness of staff, the band playing made the older members of our party happy and reminisced about the carols and most of all the decorations every year they don't disappoint ..21 December 2014

On arrival, the hotel/ restaurant does feel luxurious however, the food was not first class. We waited a little too long for our table and were told we couldn't sit in the Orangery (despite having asked to). The reason for this was due to there not being many guests eating and the Orangery not having an atmosphere. When we were seated though, there were only two other tables with diners and just one by the time we started eating, it seemed they just couldn't be bothered to set up another table. In any case, the food was quite good. The starter buffet was a highlight.

I visited the restaurant at Clarence House for an afternoon tea with some friends. What a treat! There were plenty of sandwiches on really soft fluffy bread with generous fillings. The scones were enormous and baked to perfection, absolutely delicious! They were accompanied with mountains of clotted cream and jam! After that I was already feeling full but there was a selection of tasty cakes and treats to get through, my favourite was the chocolate brownie, splendidly rich and very naughty! The only (very very minor) niggle I have is that it would have been nice to offer to bring more tea as there was only pot for the table. I will definitely be returning to Clarence House for another afternoon tea and I look forward tasting what other treats they have to offer.

well cooked and presented dinners would have liked a bigger and better roomnice area but not a lot to do or see in Dalton in Furnesswell placed to get to the Lakes and good walking area

We had heard grumbles about this restaurant from friends so we booked it for a special occasion with a bit of hesitation. We were wrong to worry. From the moment we arrived until the moment we stepped out of the building we were treated like visiting royalty. The restaurant is a bit stuck in a 1980s timewarp, upmarket but maybe dated. I like that. The food though was not dated, it looked and tasted delicious with real emphasis on Cumbrian produce. Wines were also excellent and well priced. Highly recommended for a special occasion.

I chose here as an ideal venue to catch up with a friend I've not seen for many years. I was right to do so, Clarence House is a restaurant that has thought about its guests in its very design. From the welcoming hotel reception, to the coal fire in the bar, beautiful dining area and the sumptuous seating in the conservatory. We were served with drinks immediately and given a moment to take in the surroundings and peruse the menu. We decided on the tempura prawns to start and fish and chips for the main meal after which we were escorted to the dining room. Both meals were delicious (light battered and not to greasy). We retired back to the comfy seats for coffee. Which we were permitted to drink at our own pace with no rush to present the bill. This was perfect allowing my friend to relax and chat about old times. As my title reveals after a pleasant dining experience, beautiful food in luxurious surroundings I was left wondering only one thing. Why don't I come here more often. Note to self to rectify that.

Went here for as a party of 12 all the food was fab polite staff ideal for a special occasion but bit pricey for day to day dinning food and service was perfect from start to finish however I made a mistake ordering the duck laorange for main couldn't eat it nothing like Chinese version that I thought it would be like :-) will defo revisit as such a beautiful place

The meal was well presented, small portions of well cooked food the menu was varied the hotel surroundings was good the staff excellent.

I stayed on a business trip just before Christmas. I had eaten elsewhere with colleagues, and checked in around 10·30pm. The decorations and festive lighting looked beautiful...unfortunately I was shown to a cold annex room in a darkened corner.I was given an electric heater,so was eventually warm, but very disappointed with this style of accommodation.I Highly recommend the hotel, food and staff, but suggest the annex area should be avoided.

Had a really enjoyable meal at Clarence House tonight, the whole experience was excellent food ambiance, most of the staff were very attentive, although one was quite surly The only downside came when paying the bill. Originally we had booked for four people, unfortunately one of our party was ill and so was unable to attend, we had informed the hotel more than 24 hours before our visit. Very disappointed to discover the deposit was non refundable. Understand if we didn't inform them but we did give them notice. Disappointing end to a lovely night

I booked a table for myself and eight friends on the 19th October to attend the masquerade ball where four of the party spent the evening at the hotel.From the moment of our arrival to our departure we experienced an extremely high level of service. All members of the staff were attentive, friendly and exceeded way above expectations. The ball it self was hosted and seemed to have been organised with great professionalism. The atmosphere of the evening and the entertainment provided was incredible. Not to mention food being divine!The hotel its self is decorated beautifully and the bedrooms are no exception. The high quality décor, comfort and thorough cleanliness really added luxury to our overnight stay.There really is no question as to why the hotel holds four stars AA rosettes for its food. Very well deserved, keep up the good work; nine very happy customers!

Recently had a fantastic meal here , food was best I have had in a long time , staff were more than helpful and so pleasant I would definitely recommend to my friends and family. Excellent value for 1st class food and service.

Would like to congratulate the management and staff at this beautifully decorated establishment. Very accommodating considering I was a last minute edition to the party. Superb meal served promptly and not invasive like other restaurants in the area of this calibre. Felt extra special to be seated in the orangery with all the christmas festivities and lights. Excellent choice on the dinner menu with a cast selection of wines to chose from. Surrounding grounds exceptionally maintained even with the freak weather we have had recently with high winds. Staff go that extra mile to ensure your needs are catered for I have a dietary requirement that was met with no issue. Highly recommended to all types of parties whether a romantic meal or a corporate occasion. No party was ignored despite having several sizeable parties. Will happily be visiting again.

We visited Clarence House last week to treat ourselves to a nice Christmas meal out, it has always been my favourite restaurant for years and years, I have never ever had a bad meal there ever in over 50 visits, which is saying something as I am extremely fussy!! The set menu was extensive with 5 courses for under £40, we had game terrine, amazing !! soup, which was delicious, rib eye steak with triple cooked homemade chips which were to die for !! Followed by cheese & biscuits which were fab and lovely coffee & glam chocolates.. Truly heavenly!! steak was cooked to perfection and nothing was to much trouble, the staff were lovely and despite the room being full of people worked seamlessly, the bar is extensive and reasonably priced in comparison to some barrow hotels !! The orangery decorations were something else and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done Clarence House for endlessly producing fabulous food time & time again ... I'm already looking forward to the next visit next week and not to mention fizzy Friday !!

Christmas isn't Christmas without visiting Clarence House. Beautifully decorated Hotel that puts you in the Christmas spirit. From a person who eats out regular Clarence House is always one of my favourite places to eat and I'm never disappointed. Friendly staff, excellent food and recommended drinks served to perfection! Well worth a visit x

Two weeks ago I enjoyed my lunch at Clarence House, so I was eagerly anticipating as good a meal just one week later. Well to say I was disappointed is putting it mildly. It was like being in a different place, I really wonder if it was an under chef preparing everything? Some of my party didn't think their starters were great, mine the prawns were OK. After quite a wait our main course arrived and as we sat with our meals growing cold finally one dish of veg to share between 14! We asked for more veg something like seven minutes later another dish appeared, chef hadn't been happy with them well by then neither were we. The salmon was tiny and overlooked, the nut roast looked and tasted disgusting. We had to complain only to have £5 per meal knocked off, not great off a £27.95 lunch. We will not be going back.

My husband and I got married at Clarence House last weekend and we had the most wonderful day! Melissa the wedding coordinator was fantastic, helped us plan our perfect day and she was on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly. The decoration in the venue at Christmas time is second to none and was the main reason for us choosing this location for our wedding. The wedding breakfast was held in the orangery and it was simply breathtaking! The food was lovely and we received lots of comments from our guests about how much they enjoyed their meals. The staff were friendly and helpful, especially the lovely girl who entertained my baby while I ate my breakfast in the morning - it was much appreciated. Thank you to everyone for our fantastic day and we shall hopefully be returning for our anniversary.

This was a special meal mums and daughters but the meal was disappointing to say the least. The welcome was warm and the bar staff were pleasant, the start was small and very disappointing, scallops the size of a pea and 2 stacked potato towers cut out of a very small potato stone cold, the main was ok, roast turkey was lovely, but the accompanying veg was silly, about 10 sprouts in a dish with a few parsnips and red cabbage there were 7 of us and were given 2 small bowls for the table on asking for furrther veg it was brought out on a saucer. To say that we felt underwhelmed and not really that special due to us being the only bigger party in the restaurant was not the feeling we wanted especially at Christmas, the pudding was then brought out what a disappointment a very thin slice in deed. All this for £38 per person. Not worth it and I shall not be going again.

Been to the Hotel on numerous occasions. Good cood and service but proces are on the high side. The bar manager has a good knowledge of single malts and I enjoyed the tasting experience.

It's the ladies that do lunch from Seascale & Ravenglass , in fact its got a better name than that it's 'The Clarence House Platinum Ladies Luncheon Club' we're from the Seascale - Ravenglass area and we travel monthly to attend. Today it was the Christmas Party, what a lovely lunch, food was absolutely fabulous 5 star without a doubt, can't wait until next month's do! Its well worth the trip, we brave all weather's high winds, heavy rain storms even frost and snow because the foods that good oh! the service is beyond words. Do try it! you'll not be disappointed I can assure you of that. We even time our trips to the hospital Barrow when our dear husbands need treatment so that we can slip in a lunch or afternoon tea which by the way are out of this world.

Been to our annual ball had the time of my life food great company great enjoy the whole and packet it was with all the people that took over Clarence house we ha d two people who were members of staff that I could not praise enough I wanted another coffee and as all staff very busy I asked a young man who was called Jamie I could not praise this young man enough nothing and I mean nothing was too much trouble even when you have a group of ladies all wanting different things there was no stress of him we all got what we asked for with the best service and a smile while we also had a young lady called Melissa she also came up with high standards to say that people say the young ones are not good is all wrong these young people help make my night I hope that theses young one get some praise off the owners as I could not thank theses two enough if you just go for a meal or wedding or just a lunch if you get the service we did I hope you enjoy it as much as us

As a very frequent business visitor to Barrow in Furness, I have stayed in most of the hotels in the area. Clarence House is the one I tend to use most often as, rather than being excellent in its own right, it is the best of a very mediocre bunch. It could be a stunning hotel if only it was better maintained. It has become a bit of a private joke predicting what will be wrong each time I book. Defects range from a toilet seat which fell off when I tried to sit on it (I ended up on the bathroom floor! Could have been nasty for an elderly person) to a butchered skirting board following attention to the central heating. Also, it seems to suffer badly from what I call 'female plumber syndrome' - toilet seats poorly installed causing them to fall down at inopertune moments when used by those Gentlemen among us who lift the seat! On the plus side, every room is different and some thought has gone into the interior design although many are looking tired. There seems to be an obsession with scatter cushions - last time I stayed in Room 10 there were seven on the bed in a small double room. I would describe the rooms as quirky. A couple have a step down just inside the door which often results in a headlong plunge towards the bed.  All the beds are very comfortable and the rooms reasonably quiet as  they are set back from the road. All rooms are very well lit with good overhead lighting and various lamps. A pleasant change from many hotels these daysOn the plus side, every room is different and some thought has gone into the interior design although many are looking tired. There seems to be an obsession with scatter cushions - last time I stayed in Room 10 there were seven on the bed in a small double room. I would describe the rooms as quirky. A couple have a step down just inside the door which often results in a headlong plunge towards the bed.  All the beds are very comfortable and the rooms reasonably quiet as  they are set back from the road. All rooms are very well lit with good overhead lighting and various lamps. A pleasant change from many hotels these daysThe one thing about Clarence House that really is excellent is breakfast. It is probably the best breakfast I have had in a hotel anywhere in the world. There is a wonderful buffet spread with a great selection of juices, yoghurts, cereals, fresh fruits, etc. I particulary like the selection of ingredients allowing you to make your own museli. Then there is the cooked breakfast which, quite apart from the wide selection of locally-sourced food, is always perfectly cooked. In fact, I tend to go easy on evening meals to leave room for breakfast!So, come on Clarence House management. Get a new maintenance contractor, take one room out at a time in the low season and re-fresh the rooms and public areas. Oh and one last request, please revert to providing a small Kit Kat bar on the tea/coffee tray. That was a real treat after a difficult day at work.       

we went as a family of 10 for my wifes 40th for a meal in the restaurant .This was my wife`s choice and was chosen as they had a good reputation and we wanted it to be special. At the start of the meal one of my party found a dead fly covered in oil stuck to his sausage .As you can imagine we were horrified and everybody was a bit squeamish after that .Next was the soup which I think was vegetable but tasted sour and nobody ate it . next was the roast and the roast potatoes tasted like they were frozen ones. I complained the next day and was told that they would send a free complimentary meal for two adults and two kids which we fully accepted .I phoned after 10 days of not receiving it , only to be told that the owner didn't think we appreciated them so didn't bother to send them . I explained that this was not the case and she said she would send me another voucher but this time it would only be for me and the wife but I got the impression that she didn't want to send one at all . when I was trying to explain that we did appreciate the offer but that didn't excuse the faults she put the phone down on me .Very un professional. Please *NOTE I have given the rooms SLEEP QUALITY,LOCATION,ROOMS,SWIMMING POOL,& FITNESS CENTRE ,CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES ,AVERAGE BUT COULD NOT POSSIBLY RATE AS WE ONLY WENT TO THE RESTAURANT. but the site would not let me submit my review WITHOUT THESE RATED.

I've eaten here many times with family and also attended a wedding here and I have to say it is the best restaurant I've ever been to.It's wonderfully arranged, you relax with a drink in the lounge while you order and you are shown to your table when the starters are ready. The food is divine, to really get the most out of what Clarence House has to offer I suggest going for an evening meal but the carvary is delicious. All dishes are beautifully presented and if you sit back and take in your surroundings you feel a million miles from Dalton-in-Furness. It really is an effortlessly beautiful place. If you visit at Christmas the dining area and conservatory are decorated beautifully and the place feels almost enchanted. It has so much charm, I can't praise this place enough.

I do not post much of anything on the web. I'm a few years retired and new to these shinanigans. Nevertheless I promised the good chap at the clarence house I would post something following my friend's wedding earlier this month. We had a first rate time. The house is a splendid old building with a mesmerising garden, I can only imagine the time and effort required. The food and drink was London class, fit for a king. Not too fancy, but my goodness it tasted special. Could not afford to stay in the hotel but it looked the business.

Five of us went to Clarence House for afternoon tea to celebrate my wife's birthday. At the time of booking we said she was Coeliac and needed gluten-free food and we were assured there would be a good choice of cakes and sandwiches for her. We rang again nearer the time and were once again assured something suitable would be available. On arrival, it was immediately obvious that the cakes and sandwiches on the table were all the same, and not gluten-free. On pointing this out to the staff, there was a delay of about 15 minutes and my wife was presented with a couple of dry sandwiches and some familiar-looking cakes and biscuits - nothing like the variety the rest of us were presented with (which were pleasant though not fantastic). My wife was terribly disappointed. To their credit, we were not charged for the gluten-free portion. However, a visit to the local supermarket confirmed the identity of the cakes - they had obviously had run out to the local Co-op and bought some off-the-shelf Mrs Crimbles cakes. What is worse, one of the biscuits contained oats - some coeliacs can tolerate oats but not all. If she had eaten the oat biscuits, she would have been ill. The Gluten-free sandwiches offered were dry and just cheese and ham whereas the rest of us were given salmon as one of the four. Much better gluten-free bread is available from supermarkets. In any case, she was promised a variety home-made cakes; not mass-produced supermarket brands.The unhelpful and uncaring attitude of the staff was disappointing - the management did not reply to a letter my wife wrote to them, and did not return promised calls. I'm sure they saw us a nuisance rather than paying customers and clearly did not have a proper understanding of gluten allergy. We will not be going again and would not recommend Clarence House to those forced to follow a gluten-free diet. There are better small cafes in Ulverston that can offer a wider variety of home-made gluten-free cakes and fresh sandwiches...

Visited here for afternoon tea recently, even though i live locally this was my first visit to this place, i found the food to be very standard and when paying £17 per head for a party of 11 you expect more than a pot of tea, a pot of coffee split between everyone, 3 finger sandwiches and a couple of cakes each. service was very poor waited 20 minutes to be served on the bar and only had a one check back of one waitress who did not smile but appeared to be on her own.

We have often had our Sunday lunch here ,however we decided to have an English breakfast.Which they serve to non residents ,as ourselves,Today at 10 o'clock,,they serve snacks ,and coffee,on a ad hoc basic..As well as lunches every day The meal was brilliant ,lots of food nicely presented,for our breakfast .Very very filling ,We were served our meal,.in the conservatory,overlooking the gardenThey have a senior citizens ,Monday lunch at a special rate too.,Worth telephoning and interneting,,to find out more

Having to sign every time you have a drink. This includes bottle water etc as well as alchohol when you are in the bar or having dinner

They do a beautiful carvery at Clarence House on a Friday evening with a wide range of delicious starters followed by soup and then the carvery with different sorts of meats and potatoes and vegetables finished off with lovely desserts and tea or coffee. Great place to go for a celebration or something

Visited Clarence House for their "Fizzy Friday" which is served on a Friday afternoon and includes a glass of fizzy wine, and then a choice for 1, 2 or 3 courses, which are Hors D’oeuvres Table/Exotic Salad Table for £11.50, 2 courses are £15.50 and 3 courses are £19.95. The other 2 courses are soup or dessert. We opted for the 2 courses of Hors D’oeuvres Table/Exotic Salad Table and dessert. There was loads of choice - Ham, salmon, pasta salad's, spicy rice, potato salads, various salads, breads etc. The desserts were mixed fruit salad, strawberry's, scones with clotted cream, meringue's, cheese and biscuits. It was a self service buffet, so you could choice what you wanted, and have as much or as little as you wanted. There was a drinks service at the table, and all the staff were really pleseant. After our food, we moved into one of the other rooms for drinks. It was a really nice way to spend a Friday afternoon and I would go again for a special occassion.

Had a super three course meal as part of a group attending a course at the hotel. Our meal began with the most delicious canapes and olives. We were then treated to a ham hock terrine served with a warm pickle salad. Main course consisted of a delicious blade of beef. Dessert was sticky toffee pudding which was then finished off with coffee and fudge. The waiting staff were excellent and the restaurant as always was stunning. We will definitely return.

Could not fault a thing I will be returning. Having attended a wedding this Sunday I felt I had to write how superb it was. From the arrival to leaving I could not fault a thing. The staff were happy and very attentive, the food out of this world not rushed and the flavors incredible and surroundings just perfect for a wedding day. Having attended weddings in many different venues around the country Clarence House stands out as one of my most favourite.

Two colleagues and I were entertained here last week as part of a dinner party group of about 25 people in a private room. Mass catering is often a disappointment, but not on this occasion. Excellent canapes. A very good selection of dishes in a 4 course dinner to follow - starter, soup/ sorbet, main and dessert, before coffee and marshmallow/fudge. The service was a little slow at times - probably more than 5 minutes between the start and end of service with each course - but the food itself was very good. A slightly old- fashioned vibe (one of our hosts said it hasn't changed in the last 30 years that he's known it), but none the worse for that. We weren't paying so I'm unsure of the value for money aspect, but certainly a decent bet for a special-ish meal out in this area.

We always have a Christmas meal at Clarence House when we visit the area to spend time with our family for the festive season. We have done this for over 20 years and we all look forward to it immensely , the food, service and wonderful decor always makes it a real treat which is why we keep going back. This year, we were visiting our family the week of Valentine's day and being the romantic old fool my husband is , he decided to treat us to a meal on the evening of Valentine's day. What can I say, what a treat! As usual the food was magnificent, the service excellent and the Orangery where we like to eat was done out in hundreds of silver and red lights and hearts it was simply beautiful and the evening was well worth every penny. I think we will be back!

Myself and two girlfriends had dinner at Clarence house on first impressions from the outside we were pleasantly impressed with the twinkling lights and grand dining conservatory, however the greeting was exceedingly lukewarm and this set a precedent for the rest of the night. We purchased a drink from the bar and found a comfortable seat in the lounge area, after sometime we were given menus to choose from and our orders taken. We were shown our table not escorted to it as I would expect and left, we had to ask for the wine list and given one between three, our pleasant starters arrived before our wine, we were getting pretty thirsty, the restaurant was busy but the lack of staff was a major issue as was attracting there attention once they were in the vicinity. The staff did seem young, inexperienced and on edge. The main meal was a good sirloin but nothing magical in it's presentation, it needed something refreshing on the plate to cut through the fat of the onion rings, jenga chips and meat, the dessert was mediocre if you like your creme brûlée like solid set birds custard, we chased a waiter down again for a bottle of wine and with our coffees no extras were offered, brandy, Irish coffee etc so they missed a trick there, the restaurant seemed to be closing around us and from start to finish we felt as if our custom wasn't appreciated I'll think twice about going back.

We organised a meal for 20 family members here for an 80th birthday celebration. Clarence House, Melissa, were so helpful from start to finish. They organised a menu we were all happy with.The meal was excellent, as good as I have had anywhere and the surroundings, as usual, were beautiful.Our party were in the Orangerie and i fully recommend it. WE have had similar experiences here when they arranged a Funeral Tea, but it felt more appropriate to reveiw a happy occasion.Great value, great food, great location 10/10Thank you.

My wife, and I, spent New Years Eve at Clarence House.We have been every year, for the past 10, or more years, and have always had a wonderful time.This year was no exception. The food was excellent, as was the entertainment.The service was superb.Well done Pauline, and all your team.

Loved the food, service, friendly staff, atmosphere, comfy sofas, real fire, bedroom and New Year's Eve party

Just spent a lovely afternoon at Clarence House for the kids Christmas party - they take the children for a party in the garden lodge to play games and have fun and leave the adults for a 3 course meal and a catch up. The decorations are fantastic and the food was delicious, def worth a visit any time of the year but especially nice at Christmas.

We went to Clarence House on 15th November 2012 for Ladies Night. We enjoyed a 3 course meal for £25 per person and were entertained with a fashion show and a singer. There were 7 of us in our party, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed our meal. I had shrimps to start, followed by Sea Bass which was delicious. A selection of potatoes and vegetables were served for us to share at the table. I enjoyed Sticky Toffee Pudding for desert which again was delicious. Every one of us enjoyed our meal. We will definately be back!

If you want that christmas feeling get yourself to clarence house. Well appointed country house with beautiful food & always good service. Excellent dinning experience. Be prepared to spend the whole evening there as its a 'whole experience' night. The only issue I had was the young lad on the bar last time, didn't know whiskey etiquette, in that he didnt have water on the bar & when I asked for some for a single malt he offered me the tap! The young'uns can be excused for this but I'd expect him to be informed in such an exclusive venue.

the food is very nice but way over priced, lovely surroundings and a lovely hotel but not worth the money. the bar is well stocked with all manners of weird and wonderful whiskeys and brandy and an excellent wine list, however like everything at clarence over priced, if you want a nice cheap weekend away avoid clarence

My family went to Clarence House for my Aunts 70th birthday. There were 10 of us in the party which was booked in advance. Clarence House is beautiful. The room we had was set beautifully, with fireplace burning, lovely atmosphere. Our reservations were for 8 pm and while we watied for our orders to be taken we were brought two tiny plates of app's. They were delish and I had high hopes. Once our orders were taken we were seated at the table in the atrium ( which was sparkling with little diamontas) and started with a tiny tea cup of celeric soup also delicious. Then we waited, and waited and waited. We did not see a waiter or waitress until one or two came to either deliver our dinner or take away plates. I did notice that they had another party in the room across from us and the waiters were running back and forth every minute or so to them. At around 10 pm we finally recieved our dinners. I had the lamp chop which was so grissly and boney I think I had one or two small bites of lamb. My husband and brother had steak but had to ask for steak knives. One aunt had a dinner that was cold so didn't eat it. My cousins wife was still hungry after eating her venison. When the waitress finally came in to remove plates, she asked "was everything ok" and quite a few people at our table said NO!! but she just kept removing plates and thats the last we heard. At 11 pm another waitress came in and asked if we wanted dessert but since we had brought birthday cake we all said no. They were gracious enough to cut the cake for us and serve it. I tried desperately to force the cake down (because I was so hungry) but my mouth was so dry. Only after we had all finished the cake did we see a waitress who asked us if we wanted tea or coffee. Really???? How hard is it to ask tea or coffee while you are actually serving the cake?? Beautiful table set with wine & water glasses which stayed empty during the whole dinner, not once did a waiter or waitress ask if anyone would like a glass of water. Were we suppose to go to the bar and get our own water?By this time its close to midnight. I certainly was not impressed!! I have been to plenty of 5 star hotels and restaurants and this (other than the atmosphere and beauty of the place) doesn't come close. Since my cousin and his wife had arranged this I felt bad for them. I know if the meal had not been put on one bill, I would not have paid for mine. Unfortunetly I had to pay 20 pounds for 6 grilled cherry tomatoes and a couple of chips. 60 pounds all together for my piddly meal, my husbands steak (which was good) and a tip. If I lived in England and not visiting from Canada I certainly would not go back. My cousin has said that they will not be back either and they just live down the road in Barrow in Furness.

Had not been to this restaurant for a good few years as was a little disappointed the last time we were there. What a difference this time, we went a couple of Fridays ago for the carvery - a wonderful selection of starters to just help yourself; then soup of the day or sorbet; a choice of three roast meats - you could have them all if you so desired, served with a very nice choice of vegetables and accompaniments; then a selection of desserts or cheese and crackers, plus coffee and mints all for around £27.00. The staff were very efficient, polite and attentive but not overly so. The only criticism I have is the huge television in the conservatory, no matter how you try not to your eyes to wander to it, but that is probably just nit picking. What was really nice as well, was that the majority of diners had got dressed up, men in smart jackets and collar and tie, and some ladies in evening dress. All in all a lovely evening and we certainly won't leave it too long before we go again.

We had a very enjoyable family meal in this restaurant. The food was very well prepared, the service was excellent ( maybe just a bit too formal / serious) and the surroundings were very pleasant. For the quality of the food and service the prices were very reasonable and I would recommend this restaurant as one of the best in the Barrow and Dalton area.

Great venue for dinner with colleagues. Starters were arguably a bit limited but I had a really tasty ceasar salad with prawns. Mains were very good. Beer selection was fair but I would have enjoyed a bit more choice of local ale.

we decided to stay overnight on a sunday and the deal at the time was £50 per person for an overnight stay breakfast in the morning and a 3 course meal at night. Staying in our own small chalet. Lovely as a treat.

Visited with my cousin and enjoyed a buffet style ladies lunch. Good choice of dishes and tasty treats afterwards. Thank you!

I went to clarence house for the Friday night carvery, with 7 other family members. When we first arrived we were escorted to a comfortable seating area while we waited for our table to be ready. Once every thing was ready we were then shown to our table.The room we ate in was nice and bright, very elegant looking, and most importantly spacious. Firstly the starters were laid out on a table in a buffet style. There was a large range of ribs, pasta, fruit, salad, salmon, bread etc. I had the ribs and some smoked salmon on buttered bread, which were both delicious. The next course was soup, which was vegetable, along with a selection of bread rolls. The soup was nice but I found there was too much considering we had another few courses to go. Then it was time for the main, the choice of meet offered by a polite man who would carve and serve it for you was beef or turkey (or both!). You were then offered roast potatoes, a yorkshire pudding and gravy by the man. Once you were through these options, you were handed the plate to serve the rest of the veg yourself. This is where my disappoinment came, as the only veg on offer was a carrot and sweed mash, boiled potatoes and a mix of brocolli and cauliflower in some sort of cheese sauce. As i do not like cheese or swede, i could only get some boiled potatoes to go with my roast potatoes. Even so, i enjoyed what was on my plate, the meat was cooked well and was of good quality.There was a good range of desserts on offer, and I must admit I found it hard to choose. I eventually went for a white chocolate cheesecake with chocolate ice cream, and I must say it was the best cheesecake I had ever had! Coffee was offered next but we were all too full to fit anything else in!Overall, the staff were friendly and attentive, the actual restaraunt was lovely and the food was good quality, for what was on offer. However, I won't go back for the carvery, if I went again it would have to be for afternoon tea or a night when more meal options are on offer.

Simply lovely restaurant. Light and airy with first class food. Very few quality establishments like this around in the Furness area now but still working hard. Noticed quite a few new people working here this time but the food was the usual standard.

Clarence House is in a class of its own. The surroundings and decoration, are outstanding, and the food is superb.

Lovely place food is very good from Christmas dinner to afternoon tea, Price is right too, much better than some places ive been to in the lakes.

From the moment we walked through the doors of Clarence house we knew we had struck pure gold! After a long drive to visit family we were ready to relax and that we did. As we had booked in for the luxury weekend break a bottle champagne and strawberries (part of the package) were served to us on arrival we opted for this to be served in the lounge by a roaring real fire. After a nice relax we headed to our more than ample room, with a king size bed and jacuzzi bath complimented by Molten brown products perfect. Then to our carvery dinner 5 courses of utter heaven. Hors derves from poached salmon, platters of ham, salads of all descriptions, mussels and fish platters, fruit oh what a choice. Then home made soup, then to the carvery three meats, veg ect, dessert lovely choice and coffee we were so full (part of package). The next day breakfast then in the evening we had a the a la carte menu (part of the package) which was just bliss this chef must be complimented on impeccable meal no wonder they have 2 rosettes, oh and not forgetting the wine (part of the package). On our last day we had again a very delightful breakfast followed by a Sunday lunch just what you would expect again (part of the package). We were so sorry to leave but will return soon.

stayed last night with my husband staff in reception were very pleasent when we arrived, the room had everything you would need trouser press, iron plus board, tea/coffee/hairdryer,tv,alarm clock with radio and c/d player, 2 comfy armchairs and a bed to dye for i had the best nigts sleep ever...Te evening meal was the carvery the straters were help yourself cold buffet outstanding followed by homemade soup the carving with all the trimmings,followed by sticky toffee pudding. Our whole experience was lovely it was so relaxing and comfortable and the staff and Pauline the owner couldnt do enough for you i would highly recommend anyone to stay there if they are in the area you will not be dissappointed..

We used to go to Clarence House 2/3 times a year for sunday Lunch as it was the best place in The Furness Peninsular and had arave review in The DailyTelegraph.Regretably times have changed and they have not moved with them. Welcoming and efficient staffand pleasant ambience.There used to be flair in the starters but the prawn cocktail and minestone soup were average. The Beef was well cooked and tender but the Turkey was thinly cut and tasteless.There used to be flair with the weets but these re now very ordinary. Petite 4's were offered with Farrers coffee but not anymore.£21.95 for a 3 course Sunday Lunch with coffee is expensive for Dalton and whilst Clarence House has stood still the competition have moved forward and there are far better options available. In the past it was necessary to book well in advance but this is not now the case. Regretably it is unlikely that we will be attending again

My partner and I had booked this restaurant as it looked lovely from the website however we could not have been more disappointed. We were staying at the Abbey House hotel a few miles away and we ended up having to eat there in the end as the service and food here were so poor. We advised reception we had arrived at 7pm for our meal and were advised to wait in the bar area. After a long wait we decided to go and get a drink from the bar and were then brought some appetisers which were ok. It took half an hour for them to take our order and then a further 15 minutes to be shown to a table. Now had this been a busy restaurant I would have understood the wait but when we went through to our table there were only about three other tables occupied so we were at a loss to understand what we had been waiting for. The table we were given was wobbly and when we mentioned this to the waitress we were told the floor was uneven and we just needed to move the table! We were then left for a further half an hour without being offered more drinks etc or any explanation as to what was taking so long. We had ordered medium cooked steaks and when the finally arrived after a total of 90 minutes from when we had first arrived they were well done! We sent them back and had to wait a further fifteen minutes for new steaks to arrive. When they did my partners was fine but mine just tasted of charcoal, was black and left a nasty taste When my partner told the waiter of this he just said that that was how they were cooked. They offered to do yet another steak but we just left as it should not take three attempts to get a simple steak right. Would not recommend and will not be returning.

we had a carvery which was ok, but when we got there my wife and her friend had a white wine each and me and my wifes friends husband had a larger each total £16.00 my larger was off which they changed.After our meal we gad a drink in the lounge area me and my friend had abouble wiskey each and his wife had a brandy my wife had nothing total £22.50, just before we left after that round my wife and her friend had a half pint glass of lemon and lime total £5.20 I don`t think they charge these prices at the Savoy in London

We enjoyed a wonderful three course lunch here on Easter Sunday, for less than thirty pounds each. The food was great, and the Easter bunnies with chocolate and Easter decorations including cards on the table made the day.

I took my terminally ill mother here on monday for afternon tea as a treat , i looked it up on the internet first as i live in somerset and my mum lives in cumbria and the picture of the afternoon tea looked very good,unfortunately we didn't get what we expected ,firstly the table cloth was dirty and we had to ask for napkins, we had a few sandwiches a scone and a couple of smaller cakes which had been cut in half, i paid £12.95 each for this and didnot feel it was worth the money at all,my mother was feeling ill so i asked for what she could't manage to eat to be packed up to take home which it was minus the jam , cream and strawberries.On the way out there were two woman sat chatting at reception and they didn't even ask if they could hold the door open so i could get my mum's wheelchair out. We were very disappointed in the whole experience and feel it was very expensive and didn't represent the advert on the webpage.

nice food, lovely conservatory. prefer the afternoon tea to evening meal.