Subject: The Woolpack Inn, Boot, Eskdale Author: Cecilia Campbell Date: 4/6/2009 Body: RATING Total 18 Great atmosphere 2 Home cooked fresh food 5 Plenty of flavour 4 Good value for money 3 Service with a smile 4 Telephone: 019467 23230 www.woolpack.co.uk Original review: September 13, 2008, for dinner The Woolpack Inn and Hardknott Brewery owner, head chef and head brewer Dave Bailey contacted us in April, politely pointing out that the western Lakes seems to be a blind spot in our restaurant review section. So, in a first effort to rectify this regrettable situation (which we had been feeling guilty about for quite some time by the way), we went to stay at his inn and eat his food. The menu changes, at least in part, daily, and a lot of the produce is sourced (very) locally, with most meats coming from Country Cuts down the road (Bridge End Farm), fish and game from Gilcrux Trout Farm and cheeses from Thornby Moor, Low Sizergh Barn and Cumberland Dairy, to name a few. We had had rather a substantial lunch (see review on The Screes), so decided to go for main courses only. Martin had Marmalade Glazed Goosenargh Duck breast served with beer reduction gravy, fondant spring onion potato cake and butter sweated curly endive. It was just as delicious as it sounds. A major added bonus was that he was actually asked how he wanted the duck cooked, and got it just as rare as he had hoped for. I had Open ravioli of grilled Thornby Moor Goats cheese, dressed with tomato & red pepper sauce, pesto and served with fennel. This too was a lovely meal, with a great deep red sauce and just right slightly crunchy fennel. My only comment is this: I've had this goats cheese before, but never where it was required to carry a whole dish like this, and I don't think it's quite punchy enough for the job – it didn't provide quite enough contrast to the other ingredients. On the whole though, it is clear that Dave is passionate about his food, knowledgeable about his produce and skilled and imaginative in the kitchen. The Woolpack Inn could be a really great eatery, but in our book, it isn't quite there yet – it needs the decor and ambience to match the food. There is great potential here, but the feel of the place is very much functional walker's inn. For us, more character and flair inside would complete the experience. By Cecilia Campbell   Cancel