The best restaurants in Holme Allerdale North West

The tea room was shut last time we were in Allonby so we were pleased to see it was open. We were stopped from entering at the door in a slightly uncomfortable manner. We asked if there was a table for 2 which there wasn’t. We asked if there might be one later and were able to put our name down and to come back in half an hour. Our waiter was really polite and friendly but in general, the service wasn’t great and we had to ask for our drinks when we saw 2 tables who arrived and ordered after us and was clear ours had been forgotten about. Our table didn’t get cleared for a while despite several staff walking past and it was only when we grabbed the attention of someone and said we’d like to order cakes that it was finally cleared. The whole atmosphere wasn’t particularly friendly or nice. Unfortunately a disappointing experience and we wouldn’t go back in a hurry.

Great food, great service, welcoming staff. Highly recommend. Substantial portions so had to skip the dessert on this occasion.

Excellent coffee at a reasonable price out of the back of a van in a great location. Owner was very friendly and helpful so no hesitation in recommending.

We booked many months ago through Hoseasons for a family holiday over Christmas. Just been told we can no longer go as the owners are closing the park at the end of November until February next year. No explanation, sorry or alternate. Just cancelled our booking. So thanks for that!

We stopped off for a milkshake after a day out. We each came away with a beautiful glass bottle filled with a milkshake of our choice. I opted for a black cherry, as I love this flavour but have never had it as a milkshake before, one word, amazing! The kids and the hubby opted for strawberry and chocolate flavours. The self-service idea was great and easy to do. Parking was free and there was seating outside to enjoy our ice-creams.

What a disappointment. No children's starters, no cheese or soup starters, several main course items not available. We weren't told any of this before ordering, would have been helpful to be told when given menus so we didn't waste time deciding on food choices that weren't available. Asked for wine... they didn't have any, sold out. What we did have was ok, but a touch on the pricey side. Whilst I couldn't complain about what we got, the pub lacked good customer service, when I went to pay the bill the waitress was too busy washing dishes in the kitchen to see so had to go into the bar area to pay. Not sure when they sold out of everything as we were there at 6pm on a Saturday evening and at the time of arrival the only people in the restaurant.

Having now tried the ice cream here on the basis that previous poor reviews can’t be that accurate, I’d say this ice cream isn’t that great quality. There is a slight graininess texture, the flavouring isn’t all that strong either. I had the rum and raisin and didn’t taste like it and I’m not sure there were many raisins. To be fair, I do know great ice cream or gelato when I taste it - coming from Scotland we have many Italian ice cream parlours. Therefore a negative review is based on a high standard benchmark which is difficult. Perhaps a suggestion would be to make ice cream with fewer flavours and do them really well? Perhaps advertise how the ice cream is made - local milk/cream etc ; freshly made daily!!! These are only suggestions of course. I’m terms of the staff they were smiling and pleasant - no complaints there.