When visiting the tourist honeypot of Bowness-on-Windermere for the afternoon, we have often walked past The Flying Pig and thought we should go there for lunch next time. And thanks to their generosity we were invited to lunch with a special guest, Mr Arthur Weasley, our faithful Border Collie. Check out Mr Arthur Weasley’s review.
The award-winning pub has opened up their bar and restaurant to our four-legged friends and the first sign of their dog-friendly status is not just a dog bowl as you wait to be seated but also a full Kilner jar of doggie treats and a little blackboard with a ‘Dog’s welcome’ notice.
The Flying Pig is in a prime location on the main road into Bowness-on-Windermere, directly opposite the popular World of Beatrix Potter Attraction and next door to The Old Laundry Theatre.
On a hot, sunny day, the outside seating was busy, yet inside the traditional inn, there was a good choice of tables to sit at.
It was a little confusing as you enter the traditional British pub as to where you went to be seated for lunch, however, a member of the team saw us and took us straight through to the dining room. We selected the window seat, which had the view of the Beatrix Potter attraction from the old leaded windows framed by begonias and other bright red flowers. The window boxes and planting in the little roadside garden were beautiful.
The menu on the table at first glance looked like any other pub grub bill of fare – sandwiches, fish and chips, burgers – however, when you took a closer look there are some local, northern delicacies to try.
Though originally from Yorkshire, I decided to try the Lancashire Haggis, Neep and Tatties with fried duck egg and damson ketchup for my starter – and it was an excellent choice.
The presentation of this dish was beautiful. From the taste sensation of the Lancashire Haggis, I think there was some good quality black pudding involved mixed into a pattie of mashed potatoes and swede. The Lake District is famous for its Damsons, and Damson Gin, though I think the use of this English fruit in
The duck egg on top of the haggis had a rich, golden yolk, and added that extra level of flavour and moisture to the dish. The starter portion size was just right.
My lunching partner chose the Squash Bhaji with Mulligatawny, rocket, ewes milk cheese an lemon oil. This beautiful dish had just the right amount of heat and crunch. Neither of us had seen Squash Bhaji on any other menu and it is something we’d both like to order again. The only addition would have been a spoon to finish off the perfectly seasoned Mulligatawny sauce.
The service was very quick though a little lacking in the personal touch – when I asked about the dishes, I don’t think our waiter or waitress were listening to what I was saying, and the music was a little overbearing.
I was looking to try the local dishes on the menu, as it is so important for the local economy to use local suppliers. I was keen to try the Cartmel Valley Cumberland Sausage with creamed potato, tender stem broccoli and onion gravy. Again I made a great choice. In Cumbria, you can tell the quality of the kitchen and chef buy their Cumberland sausage and this was excellent.
The spicy sausage had a pale meat mix and a firm consistency which was satisfying with the extra creamy potato – which must have contained a great deal of quality butter judging by the amazing texture and taste. This was complemented by the rich, sweet onion gravy, which finished off this delicious dish. Good Cumberland sausage and mash like this is best of Cumbria on a plate.
The Flying Pig is the 2019 Cumbrian Pub of the Year in the annual National Pub and Bar Award and the hand-pulled real ales and gin of the week choices do offer local quality choices, however, the beautiful traditional British pub doesn’t need the loud music, and brusque service. Though quick, the table service was lacking attention, as no one came to check on our table, or offer the dessert menu. There were many international tourists dining when we visited, and though many customers will only visit the Lake District once in their lifetime, it doesn’t mean you don’t want to provide customer service that will make them want to return again.
In the kitchen, the chef and his team have some excellent dishes which celebrate northern culture and cuisine, yet the more modern-style pub-grub display on the menu does them a disservice. However, it is better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed by over expectation.
The Flying Pig has all the ingredients for a family-friendly inn, and if you dine here, look for the less obvious dishes on the menu and enjoy a real taste of Cumbria.
Value for money
4/5
- Lancashire Haggis, Neep & Tatties with Fried Duck Egg & Damson Ketchup £8.50
- Squash Bhaji with Mulligatawny, Rocket, Ewes Milk Cheese and Lemon Oil £7.50
- Carmel Valley Cumberland Sausage with Creamed Potatoes, Tender Stem Broccoli & Onion Gravy £11.95
- Real Ale Batter White Fish Fillet with Tartar Sauce served on a Toasted Brioche Bun with Gem Lettuce, Tomato and Skinny Fries £11.95
The Flying Pig’s menu is available online http://www.theflyingpigbowness.co.uk/menus/
Thank you to The Flying Pig, Bowness for inviting us to lunch. This meal was a complimentary lunch #Gifted
For more information about The Flying Pig visit http://www.theflyingpigbowness.co.uk
