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The Strickland Arms in Kendal

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Review of Strickland Arms in Kendal by Cecilia Campbell

CeciliaC

39 posts

Joined
10/6/2005

Review of Strickland Arms in Kendal by Cecilia Campbell
Posted: 20 Jun 06 12:03 PM

Most recent visit: June 6, for lunch Telephone: 015395-61010

We were recommended by friends to try out this recently re-opened pub next to Sizergh Castle, and as we frequently shop at the excellent Low Sizergh Barn, we recently had an opportunity to try it out. The building is part of the National Trust, and I had read an article in the NT magazine about the new pub venture, which made me extra curious. It was a sunny day, so we were able to eat on the terrace outside, a definite extra bonus – there were also tables scattered on an adjacent lawn, so plenty of space for everyone. You have to ignore the traffic sounds from the dual carriage way, is all.

A quick word about the premises; they are lovely – flagstone floors and old hardwood furniture on the ground floor, which create a great atmosphere – I hope the fireplaces are roaring in winter too. So to the food. It was very clear absolutely everything was homemade, and according to the interviews I had read, many of the ingredients come from local suppliers. We ordered three starters to share between us. The seabass fishcakes with salad and sweet chilli dressing were about the nicest and juiciest I’ve had in Cumbria, Martin was particularly fond of them. We also had a tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad (a great dish for checking the quality of a restaurant’s ingredients), and it was superb – my only complaint would be that the tomatoes were fridge cold, not the best temperature for flavour, but for all I know you may have to keep tomatoes in the fridge for health reasons. Anyway, dark red tomatoes, gorgeous mozzarella, loads of basil and nice dressing. We also had baked field mushrooms with concassed tomatoes and goats cheese, which were very nice and fresh, although there could have been a bit more flavour. The salad that came on two of the dishes was particularly good – miles away from normal pub salads, with rocket, little gem, cocktail tomatoes and so on, plus a good dressing.

Rating: total 19

Great atmosphere 4
Home cooked fresh food 5
Plenty of flavour 4
Good value for money 3
Service with a smile 3

CeciliaC

39 posts

Joined
10/6/2005

Re: Review of Strickland Arms in Kendal by Cecilia Campbell
Posted: 06 Apr 08 4:18 AM

We went back to Strickland Arms for lunch on April 4, 2008 - the first lunch of the year sitting outside. I had a grilled steak ciabatta, which was one of the nicest of its kind I've ever had - often when you order a steak sandwich, the relatively cheap cut of beef is tough, but this was marinated in garlic and lovely and tender, the ciabatta was super fresh and the only thing I objected to - as usual - was all the raw red onions in the salad. For the sandwiches at least I would increase their rating to 4 for value for money.
/Cecilia

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The Strickland Arms in Kendal

Review of Stric...