Subject: The Punchbowl, Crosthwaite Author: Cecilia Campbell Date: 9/29/2009 Body: RATING Total 22 Great atmosphere 4 Home cooked fresh food 5 Plenty of flavour 5 Good value for money 5 Service with a smile 3 Telephone : 015395-68237 www.the-punchbowl.co.uk Latest review: Sep 24, 2009, for lunch We thought it was about time to revisit this pub, and we're glad we did. The interior had been slightly changed, noticeable was that a carpet had replaced the slate floor and a leather sofa group added to the room where we ate on both occasions – both adding to the warmth of the atmosphere. Between us (we took my parents), we had three starters; cheese soufflé, fresh seared tuna on a salade nicoise, smoked salmon served with capers and horse radish cream – and a main; gammon with fried egg and pineapple. The ingredients were fresh, the gammon in particular was outstanding, there were plenty of flavours, and excellent execution (perfectly done soufflé and seared tuna e g) The menu apparently changes regularly, and prices are reasonable, particularly in view of the quality. We'll be back. By Cecilia Campbell Original review: Jan 22nd, 2006 for lunch. The Punchbowl is set in the rather beautiful Lythe Valley. It should not be confused with the other establishment of the same name at Underbarrow. The pub has recently been refurbished, it was a little too "tidy" for my taste, but the standard of the refurbishment is excellent. We had lunch there with my two sons Matt and Josh. We ordered two starters and three main courses. All the food that was served, with just one exception, was great. The portions sizes were generous, both the starters and the main courses.  I had Cumberland sausage on a bed of mash with gravy, it was as you would hope very, very tasty, the gravy was perfect. Josh my younger son had chicken breast, this was cooked as it should be, slightly moist, with a well flavoured simple sauce. Matt, my older son, had a vegetarian dish. Leeks and gruyere cheese in filo pastry. A little to greasy and not enough flavour. This was the only food we left. If you're a vegetarian and this is typical then you may struggle here. Cecilia had two starters, confit of duck leg with white beans, thyme and rosemary sauce, and a blue cheese brule. I'm not a fan of strong blue cheese, shame, but this was very mild. What I could steal of Cecilia's duck I liked. The service was friendly and quick, in spite of it being quite busy.  Would we come back, absolutely, it's now on the radar, it has to be tried for dinner and would be a great location to drive to when friends are visiting and the sun is shining. By Martin Campbell    Cancel