The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite in Allerdale

Absolutely beautiful. Definitely recommend it. Had the curry and game cottage pie. One of tbe best meals in the lakes Sat in the garden .

Sadly we have rated a low score of 2 , we had pre booked, went downhill fast after , chose our stater to be told our 1st & 2nd choice were off ,not a good start at 6:45pm ended up with 3rd choice which we had not been given any cutlery & when asked response was a bit blaise & got it ourselves. It was sent back as was cold . To be fair a partial refund was given. 2nd course was not up to our expectations of nice quality meats ,venison meat chewy & tough & not enough in game pie & vegetables looked anaemic. The dessert cheesecake was undoubtedly the best course of 3 .

Terrible service & average /poor food witb no ambience or atmosphere - Had much better at much cheaper places! booked by email and confirmed by phone a week before . On arrival had no note of our booking then begrudgingly found us a table with no apology. Very miserable staff member/manager. No table service. 2 of us had venison. was a tiny piece and so dry. Fish n chips greasy and flavourless and looked like it had been thrown on the plate! Both people had fish felt ill after. Crumpet starter at £10 , crumpet wasnt even toasted. Probably one of the worse restaurant ecperiences ever and was an anniversary dinner so super disappointed and total waste of money.

We went to book a table earlier in the evening. A waitress with short blond hair initially ignored us. We asked for help….limited response from her but said she could fit us in. We presented at the allocated time and were shown a table in a thoroughfare by the same waitress. We asked to sit in a corner table away from through traffic. She said that table was booked. We ate our meal (before anyone else appeared on the preferred table) it was booked 90 minutes after ours) So we could easily have been sat there and had a much more comfortable meal, but I’m afraid this lady hasn’t been on a recent customer service course. There was no welcome, appreciation or thanks. Nobody came to ask how the meal was. We were just left ( in the thorough fare!) What a shame. This was once a good place to visit.

Went for a meal here last night with friends. It has a cosy atmosphere but felt a little cramped in the bar/restaurant area. I ordered the King Prawn Linguine, with courgette, chilli and lemon…for £19. The plate arrived with very little courgette and 6 prawns. I mentioned to the waiter, who went to the chef and his reply was “ you should have only 5 prawns so you had one extra”!! I was slightly taken aback by the answer and the unprofessional approach of the staff. Nothing more was done about it so we paid the bill, left, and returned to our hotel for desserts! Wouldn’t recommend eating here.

I stayed here for the first time, for one night, having been several times before for both main meals and breakfast, including before the major refurbishment carried out a few years ago. Something about this place has changed compared to my previous visits. The room was fine, albeit with very creaky floorboards (why weren’t these fixed when the building was completely gutted for the refurb?), and the breakfast was decent, although the service slightly offhand - ‘haven’t you read the menu card?’ is not the appropriate response when asking about the breakfast options, for example. The evening meal was very average and uninspiring ’pub food’, in contrast to my previous experiences and both starter and main course were brought out at the same time, by a young lad/girl who didn’t seem to have a clue. It’s all a shame, because I used to like this place.

Went here with friends post a fell walk. We ordered the bacon, brie and cranberry toastie and the chicken satay baguette. The food was inedible. The bacon looked and tasted like it was a week old and had been ‘cooked’ on the radiator. The ‘toastie’ was a bread roll. The cranberry sauce was jam. The chicken satay baguette was the worse thing I have ever seen to come out of a kitchen. Dry un-marinated (was supposed to be marinated) chicken in a bread roll with no satay in site. We complained but were ignored as we’d already paid. Avoid this place at all cost!

Called in for a light bite after a nearby walk and again, food was tasty and service was great. Lovely beer garden to sit in, weather permitting. Dog friendly which is a massive bonus for us. They even do the Woofchesters dog menu. We will visit again.

Went to this old inn, part of the Inn collection for lunch. Firstly good experience, cozy bar, pleasant staff, large comprehensive menu. Then a large gripe - tried to book a table, driving from 20 miles away. Was told that unless there were 8 in the party they were unable to take reservations. Luckily on arrival they weren’t busy and the helpful waitress said we could sit anywhere that didn’t have a reserve sign!!! These were tables for two,four and six! Surely the kitchens would be pleased to know how many to cater for? If they are worried about no-shows they could take a reservation amount?

Went here for drinks the staff were very welcoming. Also was dog friendly. The menu for food looked very good going to return again for food

Excellent meal at Lake District pub hotel. Unable to book for lunch, though when we arrived there were reservation signs on tables! Pleasant staff though had to order at bar. Good menu with specials. All food hot and tasty Definitely will return

Called in for fish and chips Friday night, pre booked earlier so everything fine on arrival table ready, the fish and chips were ok I would rate as average nothing to write home about , a good pint of ale and proper pub surroundings, I compare the food and drink to where we go week in week out and for the same food and drink it costs £46 at the Pheasant it was £66, 20 quid more for a lower standard of food, however I did eat it all and had no complaint just lacking on quality, a popular place looking at the numbers in there.

This spot is great for people with dogs who only want a drink from the bar. Fish was undercooked as were the chips. The curry was more of a soup, came with a small amount of rice, no naan bread or poppadoms. Burger was burnt. Over priced, over rated. If you like to be ripped off and enjoy eating your evening meal with incompetent staff and smelly wet dogs then this is the place for you!

Fish and chips were so crunchy and overcooked unfortunately. Like eating a plate of crisps. The pub itself was nice and good service but wouldn’t go back due to the food we had.

Average food,curry very watery,burger and cheese burnt,the cumbrian sausage hardly had any mash.This is not what we expected,even had to move dogs water bowl before we sat down even though staff member was advised of its presence.

While staying with friends in the Lake District they recommended, and took us to The Pheasant Inn, as somewhere they had been several times before. The inn’s exterior exudes class and traditional charm, however, inside the ambiance in the bar and restaurant spaces is now dated, and uncomfortable. We were shown to a table, and left to settle and find the menus, which were on a rack on the table; and the barman appeared and told us, in a somewhat matter of fact way and a lack of charm that matched his surroundings, what the soup and pies of the day were and, when ready, to order food at the bar. The bar itself was satisfactory, but there was only one example of the promised locally brewed ales on tap. Ordering the food was a slow process, whilst our choices were typed into the ‘till’. The food arrived shortly afterwards. My fellow diners asked if they could have some mayonnaise for their salad. The waiter had to be reminded of this request, and returned with a plastic squeezy bottle. I had ham hock terrine to start and fish pie. The terrine was good, but not exceptional. But I regret the same could not be said of my fish pie. It came in a small bowl, with a scaldingly hot cheese topping that, suggested it had been microwaved? The bowl was irregular-shaped, about 5” wide and tapering to about 2” at the base. The pie itself being no more than 1.5” deep. Underneath the thin topping, was a dry mix of mashed potato and a few pieces of fish and seafood, without any creamy sauce you might expect. On the plate beside the bowl was a small selection, a large tablespoon-full of kale and other greens and a few carrot batons. My fellow diners were equally disappointed. The monkfish curry comprised a few pieces of fish in a runny spicy sauce, with a small ramekin of rice. Any dressing on the others chopped salad had sunk to the base of their bowls (hence the request for mayo) and the cold chicken topping had been burnt in the charring process. All four dishes were to be endured rather than enjoyed. Waiting staff seemed confused when they asked if everything was OK, and we told her it wasn’t very good. She said “sorry” and hurried away. Paying at the till later, we were again offered a meaningless explanation, and fairly insincere apology. Reading other recent reviews suggests I am unlikely to get a favourable response from the management for these negative comments; but this was our experience. It seems that, despite the potential it offers, the standard of The Pheasant Inn has dropped below expectations and I would neither return or recommend it to anyone else wanting more than mediocre pub food.

We have had the pleasure of staying for 3 nights and have to say that we are very pleased to have visited. Staff are all fantastic, food was splendid and the room was very nice indeed. The only small niggle being that the room ( Grisdale) was very warm throughout the night, even with the windows open and the fan running. Pleased to say that we will happily come back. The pheasant is in a great location in the beautiful Lake District .

Went for a family celebration and staff were very attentive but not intrusive. Meals were excellent with everyone enjoying their selection, except possibly the fussy youngest one ;-) We shared a room with another group who were celebrating so it was a little noisy but all good spirited.

We were a party of 9, two families. Several had the meat pie which was fantastic, 2 had fish and chips also very good. I had the mac and cheese, this was at best average, very bland with no cheese taste to speak of. At £16.00 I was looking forward to this as described with the local cheddar cheese. Not good at all. I didn't complain as unfortunately we had already complained about the children's 'chicken goujans'. We order two of these, they were awful and were not eaten. The chicken was 'grilled' and tasted burnt. These were removed from the bill. So 3/9 meals were not all all nice nor value for money. The staff were very nice and attentive to begin with but we waited too long to have plates cleared and then even longer to order desert. All in all the evening was very disappointing and too expensive.

What a wonderful hospitable inn! Unfortunately when we ordered there was a misunderstanding and one meal was missed…. Well…. The apologies were abundant and we were so looked after as a recompense. The meals were both extremely yummy and satisfying. I eat in a lot of the Cumbrian restaurants as I am local and this is by far my favourite. Book early so you are not disappointed. Thank you The Pheasant for a fine service.

Firstly this restaurant does not normally accept bookings unless a table for 8 or more. They did eventually. The table was small for 5 people and the decor is tired and grubby. The bar was quite chaotic with people arriving for the hotel. One of our meals and sides and one of our puddings arrived late after all the other meals. They proactively gave a discount for this.without asking. The steaks were tender and delicious but the plates could do with some garnish and dressing. Cooking time very efficient despite being busy. Not planning on going back.

3 of us had calves liver delicious , ordered a sticky toffee pudding was 2” square fir £8 I wish I had taken a photo and returned it , waitress removed plates never asked if we wanted anything else both times Nice surroundings

It's a Great looking building with lovely outside space at the back. Staying in Bassenthwaite, we booked for dinner with our dog. Really, dog friendly with a pleasant welcome. Maybe it's because of a lack of staff, but once sat, we then had to go to the bar to order. The food arrived quickly, but my husband wanted a glass of wine with his steak, so he went to the bar. He was fourth in the queue, so his dinner was cooling. £3.00 for the most watery peppercorn sauce ever tasted was a rip-off. The place promised much but sadly didn't deliver.

Poor value for money. Insipid 6oz burger with no salad or coleslaw etc followed by average/poor Eton mess. This the 2nd time we have visited in 6m and previous experience was very good. However a disappointing return visit. Food was average and overpriced for what it was. We are very frequent visitors to the area and there are many other excellent choices.

We won’t visit to have food again, overpriced, staff not friendly some seem grumpy, no atmosphere gone down hill lots.!

The food was good but the service leaves a lot to be desired. We booked a table for 4. We also have a dog and apparently this is a dog friendly establishment. We arrived and were shown to a table, when the lady serving saw...

After a day on the hills my partner and I attended the Pheasant Inn for a meal. We bought two pints, scampi main course and home made chicken pie. The quality of the pie was good. Everything else about the food could be described as...

Went to the pheasant inn whilst holidaying in the lakes. We had pre booked our table due to knowing we wanted to try there. I wouldn’t say this is essential at the time of year we went but I expect in the summer months a...

We went to the pheasant yesterday(new years eve) for a lunchtime meal with family. We live 20 minutes away from the pheasant and the place has always been known for its quality food and service. Now its just like a town centre pub eating food...

when my best friend comes to Keswick to visit we traditionally have a meal at the Pheasant I booked a table for early dinner for the 27th Dec, we arrived about 15 minutes early and went to the bar to order a drink and confirm...

Not what it used to be service rubbish might as well have cooked and served food ourselves ,the pie was meant to be turkey and sausage but found no sausage and the pastry would have knocked the shine off a chainsaw chain , don't think...

Disappointed. The Pheasant seems to be suffering from an identity crisis! A lovely traditional and cosy country inn feel in the main bar but the restaurant serves predominantly expensive “nothing to shout about” pub grub with distinctly average service from an overly familiar, bordering on...

We booked a table for 14 friends visiting the lake district for a birthday celebration and we were seated in a lovely room, just for us. The food and service was superb. It is refreshing to go to an establishment where the staff made you...

We had fantastic service here twice in recent weeks. On both occasions we arrived without booking after a late change of plan. The restaurant was full and staff went out of the way to accommodate us. Firstly it was a male and then a female...

They do a fabulous fish and chips - best we've had in a long time. Recommend booking a table as it gets very busy.

We enjoyed two meals on a recent visit to the Lake District.It was recommended by our accommodation as somewhere we could walk to and is open all week.It is very busy so I would recommend booking.The staff were friendly and when there was a mistake...

We only had a coffe with some scones. Everything was fresh and tasty. What caught our hearts was romantic beer garden, full of flovers and birds.

We love going to Keswick and only discovered this little gem by accident after going for high tea at the station at Bassenthwaite (also brill). The whole place is lovely, has a great relaxed vibe, and is dog-friendly ( always a bonus). They even have...

Fabulous food, served hot and in great portions. Service was friendly, welcoming and efficient in beautiful surroundings.

This review is based on the restaurant side of the pheasant inn. What a let down. It is such a lovely old building but when you walk into the bar it goes down hill. The room has no comfort. The menu is basic and the...

A pub that looks good both inside and out providing good food at reasonable prices with good service in a warm comfortable situation

On our honeymoon, the Pheasant pub was recommended. Sorely disappointed. Overpriced, poor quality food and drinks. No atmosphere. Service was rubbish. Wouldn't recommend this place for any type of meal. We tried to eat out crispy chilli beef salad, beef tough, full of gristle, salad...

Fantastic food with fantastic service. We were so warmly received by Chris and his team as a walk in for Sunday lunch today. A fully booked restaurant, but Chris went above and beyond to get us a fantastic table. Beautiful Sunday lunch, one if the...

We have dined at the Pheasant on previous occasions and have always enjoyed the standard of catering, and the atmosphere in the place. We dined there tonight and were disappointed. The menu was average with no oustatnding dishes. It was mostly traditional pub grub and...

The Pheasant Inn is such a wonderful place. We booked for dinner tonight and what a wonderful experience we had. From the minute we arrived the management and staff were so kind and attentive and the food was absolutely superb. The old world charm adds...

i was staying the pheasant inn on a winter break deal and it worth every penny. Chris and the team are the nicest people your meet. the food was 2nd to none . the banter with the staff was great .lovely and clean inn with...

Even if you are not staying overnight you can enjoy the food which is really good. There is a beer garden which will open up once good weather kicks in. The Inn is easy to find and get to. Delightful countryside - it's up to...

Called in today for a drink after our walk - the man behind the bar looked us up and down with utter distain - we asked for a drink and without a word ushered us away with hand gestures - pushing us away into another...

We have stayed at the Pheasant and dined there for many years. The Hotel is now under new ownership and to be honest I was a little concerned the place would change from the classic style and atmosphere, I was wrong the place has been...

We ventured here one evening as we were stopping close by. An inviting exterior and, once inside, we were met by warm and welcoming staff. It was a fairly quiet night, so there wasn't much of an atmosphere, but it was pleasant enough. The food,...

Part of a group called the Inn collection , the Pheasant didn't disappoint us in any way . A traditional type pub with a selection of fine ales and whisky . Lovely hosts and very friendly and efficient staff . The room we stayed in...

From the moment we checked in the staff team could not do enough to help and make us feel welcome. We have stayed here before, mainly because the bar is fantastic-still has all of the old features and is the cosy snug but with lots...

Had great Sunday lunch with our two big dogs Made to feel very welcome with them Excellent Sunday lunch and beer excellent Service especially good

Dropped in on Boxing Day for lunch and despite the place being packed they found us a table and served us with some great food. We were indeed grateful and had a great visit.

Nice pub for a relaxing meal and a few drinks. We were staying at The Lakeside Country Guest House so was an easy walk to the pub which was nice. Staff were friendly and real (not robots treating you like clients) and we enjoyed the...

They were in the midst of changing menus so did not have everything but still great food and fast service

This is a lovely little pub for a drink. We booked in for an evening meal but left quite disappointed. I like pate and when it arrived it was very runny and lumpy. I sent it back and the waitress brought out another one and...

I found the Pheasant Inn to be a great place to stay and eat. The staff are friendly and attentive, and I found Richard to be very helpful. Although the main course menu is currently limited, they do serve great food. The breakfast on offer...

Went twice . good food and service, gets busy probably too busy for current situation, need to book and dog friendly.

We popped in for drinks only as we had eaten on our journey to the lakes. Very quaint bar. The beer was good

This place has lots of character, good food and drink with friendly staff, nice beer garden when its not raining but it is the Lake district

We visited on the last day of our holidays and were not disappointed. Really enjoyed our meals and I had a lovely red wine and my partner enjoyed the beers on tap. We were pleased with the service. I would recommend a visit to friends/family...

We had a table in the bistro room, which was really quiet and the pushy waiting staff had little patience for people wanting to have a relaxing evening - however, I understand during covid times there are pressures to minimise people’s time in the restaurant...

Lovely looking place and beautiful location, friendly staff coming in and well arranged for the current Covid difficulties. I had a pint of local butter which was well kept and tasty. My Sunday lunch of pork loin was very nice with tasty vegetables including a...

A lovely looking pub that handled Covid well. We were sat in the Bistro room which totally lacked charm and atmosphere and was the thoroughfare for busy staff depositing and clearing plates. Too busy serving to provide any real service. Food was very pricey -...

The food here is good solid pub food. Since the inn changed hands the menu isn’t quite what it once was, but it is nevertheless very good pub food. Sunday dinner today was superb. They keep a very good pint of bitter here too. Very...

Never visited here before. Social distancing & everything that goes with COVID was excellent. Staff wore face masks or face shields. Met at the door. Sanitised our hands. Showed to our table. Only table service, which was good. Fish platter was disappointing. No taste to...

Had a meal here on Wednesday evening, we were very lucky as were just passing on the off chance having seen a number of recommendations, and someone hadn't turned up for their booking so they kindly seated us. It definitely lived up to what we'd...