The Secret Garden in Eden

Lovely place and surrounding area , food was lovely ,staff great and attentive . Service was fast and we were made to feel welcomed , defo return on out next trip

We visited this place as it had good reviews, only to be very disappointed. The waitress that we had wasn’t very polite. Our food order consisted of two carbonara’s, one steak and one gammon steak. When carbonara’s arrived, one of them was only just warm, the other one had no bacon and the sauce was very watery. The steak was asked to be medium rare, and when it came it was well done, the sauce we had to ask for even though we had ordered it. The gammon steak was very salty and very thick. We complained and was asked what they wanted us to do about it. They took one off the carbonara dishes off. But the overall experience was very poor. And we wouldn’t be recommending this place to people if they was visiting!

Can’t comment on the food as never actually got that far. Arrived early for a drink beforehand and lady working at the front was rude and didn’t want to accommodate (we had a booking). Seated outside and waited 20 mins before someone came to take our order for a drink, which we had to ask for anyway. Drinks took around 10 mins to arrive by which point we were ready to order food. Sat there for another 30 mins making eye contact and a smile to each waitress who didn’t come back over to take the order. Other later tables were served by this point. Poor service, unfriendly staff and not somewhere I’d recommend. Being forgotten about in a restaurant charging £7 for chips, not the best.

Service not very good and food average. My husband had a burger and the bun was cold.. not vey nice My chicken wrap was good, but on the whole, the meal was was overpriced and a average.

This is a really modern feeling restaurant with a lovely view in the garden of river Eamont. There are plenty of staff and service is very quick, pleasant and attentive. The menu has lots of great options. My husband had the soup of the day (spring vegetable) and the special fancy burger. I had the nachos starter and Halloumi kebab. I have to say as someone who really enjoys nachos and orders them a lot, this restaurants nachos are the best I have had. The portion was massive and like a main meal and could easily be shared - not that I did. The cheese was plentiful and there were 3 large servings of sour cream, guacamole and salsa which were obviously homemade and not just from a jar and filled with flavour and herbs. Jalapeños were added and it was heaven. The Halloumi kebab was served on a soft delicious naan and with Roasted vegetables. The chunks were very large and well grilled and the dipping sauce was divine. The chunky chips were superb and moreish. My husbands burger looked amazing and he definitely enjoyed it as he finished it all which is a rarity for him. The soup was also very good and all presentation was beautiful and side salads and garnishings also had lovely attention to detail. There is the option to sit outside but we stayed inside.

Whenever we visit pooley bridge we always go for drinks and nibbles,the service is always perfect and the drinks are reasonable priced,the view and sounds of the river an added bonus The lad that works there is very professional and friendly

Booked a table for 8 , staff lovely and really efficient , food ordered and was out really quick and it was delicious. There was a DJ on music totally my taste but it was a little bit loud and the seats weren't that comfy . But apart from that was really good and really enjoyed it as it's such a good setting too

My review is a mixed bag, so bear with me, constructive feedback meant and not necesarily a negative or complaint. Initially we stumbled upon The Secret Garden on an afternoon, sunshine and a lovely drink served my a really nice knowledgeable chatty male server. Who knew the products and area well. We returned on friday night for dinner in the resturant. There was a DJ set up outside just outside the door. The concept was brilliant but not thought taken into account for those in the restaurant, with the doors open with the outside guests using the resturant as a walkway for bar/toilets. Open door made resturant cold and some customers wrapped in blankets. Although the food was lovely, staff really nice, I felt we paid a premium (£123) to be treated secondary for those outside. May be worth either an outside bar for the crowd or the DJ at the lower end so doors could be closed, think it's a new concept and little changes could make it really successful. White wine glasses with a bottle of red, had to request this to be opened and the bottle was really cold. Our only real criticism really as food tasty.

This spot deserves 6*, because the setting elevates it beyond one that just offers generous portions of well cooked food served enthusiastically... this family obviously take great pride in running a superb restaurant.

Each time we eat here it’s always 5star. Always feel welcome. The food and service are excellent. Never disappointed.

Great food 5*, terrible service 2*. We were here on a Thursday evening eating inside the restaurant. The 3 waiting on staff were very young and unsupervised and unfortunately were more interested in hiding away in the bar area talking than waiting on the guests. Its not the cheapest place in town, however the food was excellent. Front of house supervisor needed.

Food was really delicious, expect to pay a bit more than average prices. Service was fantastic... overall a great dinner....

Booked for lunch on Easter Sunday. A bit disappointed on arrival they didn’t do Sunday lunch but we shouldn’t have been as the menu was great and the food was SO nice. Will definitely return.

Another gorgeous evening at the secret garden, staff so welcoming and friendly. Tomahawk steak absolutely outstanding. We will most definitely be back, cannot recommend highly enough. Vicky H

Love this place , our go to when visiting Pooley Bridge … food outstanding , staff very friendly and welcoming and beautiful outside space x Highly recommend the tomahawk steaks … delicious x

We went at lunchtime . Nice setting and lovely service . Although a little expensive it was nice and we really enjoyed it , it was busy and service still attentive . We will definitely go again when in the area

We visited as a group of 6 plus 2 kids early afternoon. Access is through a shop front behind the shop adjacent to the river. The cafe / restaurant is light & airy. The lunchtime menu was somewhat limited but the quality of the food we had was excellent. The chefs are also in view of the diners & can be watched cooking. The young waiters & waitress were very friendly & efficient. This is a dog friendly restaurant which we would recommend.

Visiting in Winter Time, Very Friendly Staff, Perfect Coffe, Thanks so Much :-)

We had a lovely meal here whilst on holiday, we all opted for a shared starter of nachos and for the main dish we opted for piri piri chicken kebabs with accompanied fries and salad, the food was excellent and cooked to a very high standard, a special mention to Leo who served us all evening and is a very friendly and pleasant young man and also thank you for the lovely birthday cake dessert which was delicious and greatly appreciated, would definitely dine here again when next on holiday in beautiful Pooley Bridge.

Had lunch here today, service was very efficient, food was gorgeous, already booked again

Really poor 2022 shut and gave us less than 24 hours notice at new year. This year over booked us showed our booking info not interested at all. Tried to sit outside on wet tables and seat, did offer us a blanket to be fair 🤣.

Excellent wee hidden gem. Beautiful setting, a great place to eat or just sit and relax with a drink & take in the beautiful surroundings. Very friendly & helpful staff

Wonderful bar & restaurant tucked behind the local shop. Fantastic riverside location. Best mocha I have ever had..!!! Food is exceptional, and service great.

We’ve had stopped by the restaurant for lunch near pooley bridge. It gives cute and cosy vibes plus food option is great. Ordered Southern fried chicken wrap which is decent & well cooked 😄 View outside is gorgeous 🥰

Perfect spot over looking the river, delicious food, all 4 of us thoroughly enjoyed! Will recommend and return soon.

This cafe/bistro is in a perfect spot overlooking the river. The staff were fab, all really friendly and polite. The lad taking us to our table could see our son was cold and provided some blankets and turned the heater on for us. I did have to give them a little nudge to take our order but that wasn’t an issue, it was very busy. The coffee and ice cream came and it was really good. A proper Flat White! The only thing that lets this place down is the amount of people in there letting their dogs sit on the chair cushions! It’s hugely inappropriate for a food venue and so unhygienic. We spotted three dogs sitting on the chairs! One was drooling all over the place while its owner was eating a roast dinner. Pretty gross really. I understand the lakes is dog friendly, I’ve got my own dog. But people are just getting ridiculous with them now! Please have a rule where no dogs are allowed on the furniture!

Friendly staff. Good food. Reasonable prices. Lovely location

First, don’t be put off by it’s unassuming exterior and the walk through the shop! Second, the Secret Garden has an amazing atmosphere, great music and most importantly fantastic food. We went on a cold, dark night in late October and certainly happy with our choice.

Fantastic food and service ,cracking place

Visited this morning for coffees, lovely atmosphere and good views. We managed to get a table without booking which was good for half term ! Love to see the guys slaving away in the open kitchen, they looked busy and the food looked absolutely wonderful. The menu isn’t huge but it has something for everyone. Would like to return with more of the family

I had read a good amount of reviews which were on the whole very good. My expectations therefore were high and we were looking forward to a positive experience. However, we left feeling somewhat disappointed. I'd like to think my review is constructive and the points raise are genuine reasons for reducing my rating to 4 stars! Booking through the website you have the option to add some requirements. I asked for a quiet table in the corner if possible. Now I don't expect to be able to always get what you asked for. However, what I do expect is for the staff to say they were not able to accommodate my request. We didn't get a quiet table in the corner, instead we got the busiest table next to the outside door and the kitchen serving point. It is therefore clear that the notes/requests are not always looked at. Its worth noting that there was another table at the back of the restaurant that would have been much better. Onto the food. Going out for even a simple meal these days is an expensive affair. The menu is fairly basic (not a bad thing) but has something that would suit most people. However, when the selection is fairly basic and the prices fairly high, I would expect exceptional quality. As you can see from my images I feel this wasn't delivered. Chicken with Creamy mushrooms didn't have 'creamy' mushrooms, they were just plain. The dish was pretty basic and with a sizeable amount of garden peas, made it feel poor value for money. Gammon steak was a great sized portion. However, the yolk on the egg ( a major part of the gammon & Egg experience) was hard boiled! Again, with basic chips and garden peas, I felt it should have been better. The third dish was the Burger. This was delicious, tasty and no complaints at all. When the outdoor space is out of action due to the weather its a relatively small dining area indoors (not a bad thing) so the number of tables being serviced isn't crazy. The kitchen (which is open) wasn't rushed off their feet so I would have expected the food (especially the egg) to have been cooked better. The serving staff were all very good. Attentive, efficient and friendly. All of the above said, I would return again but probably in summer when the outdoor area was open. I would certainly try other dishes on the menu. At just over £60 for three main meals and one drink each, the dining experience overall needed to be improved. I will post my review of the Summer Visit next year and hopefully i'll be able to find the extra star rating to make it 5 out of 5!

Exceptional! We always visit here when in Pooley Bridge! The menu is extensive and there are daily specials. Wonderful to sit outside on warmer days but also nice to be inside by the log burner. The staff are polite, attentive and go out of their way to make your visit one to remember. We had a recommendation for a Portuguese wine that we tried and it was very nice and we appreciated the guidance! Little things like this and the great food always make us want to return, so much so we chose the secret garden on multiple occasions last week. Thank you and we look forward to see you all soon!

Excellent service and wonderful food Dog friendly We spent 4 nights in this part of the Lakes & each evening we enjoyed fabulous food here Nice atmosphere & lovely warmth from the stove. The staff were kind, patient & very helpful especially as I’m gluten free!! It was great to be able to eat & enjoy our food in a very dog friendly place The open servery into the kitchen let us see the food being prepared which is very reassuring The wine selection was also great & enjoyed by myself and my daughter Thanks we’ll be back

Great food great drinks great service great setting. Shhh I don't want anybody else to know 😊

Lovely pub style grub! We stopped at The Secret Garden after a 17k walk from Glenridding - safe to say we were in desperate need of some good food. We had the burgers which were delicious, and the desserts (sticky toffee pud and brownies) were absolute HUGE but amazing. The location is great, just on the water. Would recommend!

A good menu , very nice staff and surroundings . Accommodating as our booking increased from 4 to 5 abs seating us all was no problem. Two vegans in the party were catered for through a variation in the vegetarian menu.

Wonderful find! Lovely location, great staff and service, plus food was fab 😊

Our food was really lovey, the staff member who served our table was very professional, however, three dogs in a small eating establishment was rather a lot. I fully understand people love their dogs but not everyone wants to eat in close proximitry to animals. Dog owners need to ensure their animals keep away from other diners as dog slobber on my chair and hands is not what I expect whilst dining out. Maybe separate areas for dogs would be a suggestion. The staff were understanding and apologetic, I also understand it is not their fault, but all diners need to be catered for.

Absolutely brilliant, service, food and views, popped in for lunch where we had the steak baguette and the mint lamb burger, so good we booked again for the following night

Didn't eat as just stopped for a drink, though will be going back for a meal.

Just popped in for a drink after a walk really friendly and quick service even though they were quite busy previously have eaten here and that was excellent as well

Nice to sit back and watch the ducks on the river

Fantastic lunch menu and great value for money. Especially the kids options. Beautiful views overlooking the river. Staff very friendly and approachable. Would definitely return if visiting the lakes again.

We have visited twice this week each time it has been excellent! Warm welcome and great service and the food that comes out of what looks a very small kitchen is great…

This is a return visit to the Secret Garden. We both had burgers and they were fantastic. My husband said it was the best burger he's had. We had both been eyeing the deserts but the food filled us so much that its now 4 hours later and cant contemplate anymore food!

My wife and I went on the 8/9/23 with friends who have been there before and said how good it was ,they were right, we had a really nice meal sat overlooking the river ,what a location ,I had a rib eye steak and ordered a portion of pepper sauce which I thought was a bit expensive until it came ,it was twice the size that I've had else were 😁 , got to say I read the bad review from the lady who didn't like the soup ,take no notice, it's a top place, also thanks to the Portuguese lad who looked after us sorry didn't get your name, thanks to you and all the other staff 👍👍👍👍👍

Went on one of the nicest days of the year. Sat outside with a river view. Excellent all round experience.

Brilliant place to eat, great atmosphere and supper attentive staff. We have been staying in a guest house on Ullswater and we’re highly recommended by our landlady to try this gem. She was right to do so. Once found, which is the secret, the setting...

Great cup of coffee with good views over the river, very friendly staff too

Fantastic place to visit. Food was first class and an amazing location next to the river.

We discovered this place last year and didn't hesitate to come back again. Great food, friendly staff and the dogs loved it too!

First id like to say all the staff were so lovely. We sat looking over the lake we had a drink and a scone the scone was yum and good price. Dogs are welcome and they have water bowls dotted about.

Unfriendly staff, broccoli soup was yellow? When asked staff couldn't identify if they had a "cook" or a "chef". No apologies or explanation, refused to pay for my meal. Stear clear!!!!

It’s unusual walking through a shop and finding this lovely restaurant, with a beautiful view over the river. Well worth it though. Lovely staff who found us a table for an hour later when we happened to stumble upon it. Then great menu and food...

Lovely and quality food. Service is really good. Overall great experience.

Very disappointing meal at the Secret Garden. We were served stale bread as a starter and the burger bun was also stale. Neither my partner or I could finish our meal which is very unlike us. Lovely setting and views but the food needs improvement.

Exactly as the name says, great setup, accessed through the back of the shop, I did not expect to find this hidden back there

We had booked a table inside as the weather has been so bad recently. When we arrived and were sat down , there was an awful smell of drains so we asked to be moved. Staff moved us to the outside terrace of the attached...

Stopped for a drink with the family... Nice seated area by the river.. service was slow (table service) so went to the bar to order. staff were not the friendliest , told us to go sit down.. but still did not take our order.. took nearly 15 mins to get a drink... and a pint of Heineken was £5.65! was not impressed

Nice location over looking the river I ordered the burger and my Wife ordered sea bass which she said was nice but my burger was burnt and dry. I would have sent it back but I wanted to eat with my Wife so bit my lip and suffered the burnt burger. Don’t know if I would go again a bit pricy for not so good pub food. ??

We’ve been to this restaurant quite a few times and we always request a table out at the rear under a parasol. Staff have always been pleasant and very good, however on this occasion we were put on a table that had no parasol. When...

A quick lunch. Staff attentive, beautiful setting on the river Food was lovely Dogs allowed

What a find! Everything about this restaurant is first class, the food, service and location.

Nice venue by the river. Great staff. Food a bit average.

Could not fault it! Food, ambiance, service, reasonable price, what a fantastic find! Plenty of other options in Pooley Bridge, but my personal view is that this is a cut above the rest, and no more expensive for it. Simple, non-cluttered menu, all done very...

Posting this again under my real user name - not sure why the one below created a new 'me'! Could not fault it! Food, ambiance, service, reasonable price, what a fantastic find! Plenty of other options in Pooley Bridge, but my personal view is that...

Lovely patio area overlooing the river with fancy flame heaters. Didn't try food this time just drinks. Doggy friendly which was great but a bit pricey.

We had booked this restaurant in advance after holidaying in the area last year and being unable to get a table with it being exceptionally busy. We took this to mean along with the reviews that we were expecting a fabulous meal but sadly this...

We went for some drinks while on holiday. The menu stated prices for 175ml glass of wine or a bottle . When we ordered they asked if we wanted small, medium or large , we asked for large and when the bill came we were...

I absolutely LOVE this place too bad I don't live close because if I did I would be coming in often! The food is amazing and so is the place.

Delicious food and fantastic atmosphere. The gentleman who served us was very nice and helpful. There was a mistake in our bill but it was cleared up right away . I recommend this place and will come back for sure

Great food great atmosphere great staff. It wasn’t very busy but can imagine a longer wait on a busy day which I would expect because the setting is ideal. The service was laid back and not rushed, adding to the atmosphere. Just two small criticisms,...

Really enjoyed our lunch sat next to the river, the food was very good and the staff friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back

Had great dinner here with family & friends. Food was delicious, prices reasonable & service was friendly

Came for lunch with my partner, the location itself was great - riverside and picturesque However, this was immediately ruined by the loud tasteless music directly next to us and slow service. I ordered a medium rare stake sandwich which came out very undercooked and cold - like it had been left out for a while. My partners halloumi wrap was underwhelming and tasteless. This is something I would usually take up with the staff at the time, however, we were given the impression we weren’t wanted for too long as it’s a busy afternoon and they wanted their table back. I just didn’t expect this at all considering the price I paid and the location. Shame.

Wonderful hidden gem. Delicious food and the waiting staff were incredibly helpful and patient with my elderly Grandma. Beautiful views and lovely atmosphere.

We called in for lunch today on our way from camping in pooley bridge. We were not left disappointed, The food and the service was fantastic. The kids loved watching the river while having there flatbreads. Will definitely be back, can’t wait

Food was lush! Dog friendly and kind staff!

Lovely location, especially when the sun’s out. Very attentive staff, but the food is overpriced and nothing I couldn’t make at home.

Called in on a busy Friday early evening. Didn’t even know this was here and so glad we found it by accident lovely warm greeting, we didn’t have a booking but we’re seated right next to the water. It was a lovely warm day. Stunning...

Absolutely lovely place right by the river with a great setting Staff very friendly & very welcoming Service very fast Georgous food with lots of choice on the menu and great portion sizes Steak cooked to perfection Dogs welcome Heaters outside for when the sun...

Food lovely but service wasn’t great. We had to ask 3 times for ice. Asked for chunky chips got skinny fries. Overall not great

Nowhere is perfect, but this place came close. Highlight for me was the gammon steak. Regards Oor Welly 🤗☕

Absolutely amazing place! Right by the water . Staff are very welcoming and attentive. Dogs are welcome The food is amazing, great portion sizes and a lovely menu to suit all tastes. My new favourite place 😊

Very nice restaurant, with a nice seating outside looking at the bridge. The service was great and fast. I would have taken some of the furniture home if my pockets were big enough. However the food was a let down. Had a sandwich with chips and onion rings. The sandwich was not enjoyable to eat, whist the onion rings were just disgusting. The chips were great, but whilst opening the Tomato Ketchup it sort of exploded and there was Ketchup all over me, so don't trust the ketchup.

Absolutely recommend this place great food and a pleasant atmosphere with great staff too 👍

Our party of 8 arrived without a booking but were immediately made welcome and accommodated outside in an enclosed gazebo with a much needed heater. All our food was delicious and the service was spot on. Highly recommended and we will return.

Great little place, more of a hidden gem than a secret garden. Lovely atmosphere, good food and great sevice. We’ll with a visit

We popped in here after a long day hiking with our toddler about 5 PM. Once we’d navigated the general store, to find the restaurant we were greatly warmly and managed to get a table right next to the riverside that our little one absolutely...

As 16 year olds me and my friend went in to the secret garden for a small meal and drink. Instead of sitting us at a table the waiter instead took us to a couch with no table and half-heartedly shoved a table to the side of the couch. Then even after all this is embarrassment they then charged us 7 pound for two half pints of coke and when i stated that they had charged us for a full pint instead of half they said they could not refund as we had had drank them despite us not ordering them in the first place. Overall awful pub and do not recommend this place to anyone.

The staff are always really friendly... It's a lovely location along the river... The meals are fairly expensive but they are of a really decent standard.... Dogs are welcome ... Menu is however a bit limited ... Some Greek or Lebanese options would spice it...

This was quite a disappointing meal. Staff with long hair not tied back serving food. Real Food Hygiene issue. Dogs barking and owners not dealing with them while people are eating. This place used to be amazing but going downhill fast

A very chilled out place. Seating inside and out, so you may have to wait a little while for your food to be prepared.

Staff very attentive. I ordered a Fillet Steak and asked for it to be well done, When I cut into the middle it was pink, I didn't send it back as everyone I was with were already halfway through their meals. Very disappointed.

This place is in a pretty location and looks very nice until you actually sit down. Our table was disgusting and the menu had some strange gunky liquid on. The menus absolutely stank. We asked if they could wipe the table and his response was...

I normally don't post anything like this but...this place is fantastic. Great food, attentive staff, Friday night singer/guitarist played an eclectic mix of covers and was very entertaining. He even played some Nik Kershaw...bonus! Patio/outside seating overlooking the river as the sun set. We haven't had an evening out like this in years. Not being paid...genuine punter...not a bot.

Really superb spot. Hidden behind a shop. Loved it.

We discovered this hidden gem on our 3rd day while staying near Ullswater. The Secret Garden is dog friendly, the service was first class, the food was outstanding, we had the gammon and the Cajun chicken which definitely won’t disappoint, and prices were more than...

Wasn't sure at first as you have to go through a souvenir type shop but once there thought it was very quaint and Quirky Good service and although the menu is not vast the choice was fine. We all found something we liked and it was tasty. Worth a visit if you are in Pooly Bridge

Delicious gluten free food, the burger and chips were lovely, lost a point for being a little rare for me. (Low immunity) Lots of options on the menu and when ordering asked if I was a coeliac or just intolerant. Lovely venue with a beautiful...