It’s hard to believe that you are just 5 minutes from the M6 as you sit back, relax and take in the peace and calm of the new dining room at The Hare and Hounds, Levens.
This traditional South Lakeland pub has maintained the charm and intimacy of the old inn while creating an additional restaurant, boutique accommodation and new outdoor area which will officially be opened with a garden party on May 11.
We were shown to a beautiful round window table. The lighting and décor create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. And the comfy seats are welcome as you need time to study the wide array of choice you have when you take lunch at The Hare and Hounds.
There are some great starters to share, with veggie, fish, meat and cheeses boards alongside individual soup, seafood, cheese and salad dishes.
For our starter, we selected from the menu of the day and shared the black pudding fritters with truffle mayonnaise and salad garnish – and we were not disappointed. The rich black pudding was encrusted in the crispy, light batter which added to the texture without taking away the delicate composition of the inner fritter. The homemade truffle mayonnaise complemented the dish which remained light in flavour. The roquito peppers in the salad were a great addition.
The Hare and Hounds is popular for its classic pizzas and burger options. Their charity pizza – teriyaki Salmon with Crispy Stir Fried Vegetables raises £1 from each sold to a local charity. Currently, the Hare and Hounds charity is Growing well, a mental health charity based near Kendal where they combe organic farming and a purpose-driven opportunity to build resilience and fitness to cope with life’s challenges.
My dining partner chose the veggie stack burger – halloumi, courgette, flat mushroom, aubergine, red pepper and pesto mayonnaise. This was served with chips and their homemade mayonnaise which has the addition of cumin that takes the flavour to another level. Check out Katie May’s review of her part of the meal.
peppers, mint, coriander and avocado.
My main course came from the mains menu which
The use of oats rather than breadcrumbs as the coating for the goat cheese adds a great texture to the dish, and the spiced squash which had been roasted was a perfect addition to the salad – something I will be adding to salads at home, as will the use of tahini in my dressings and mint and coriander in the salad leaves.
The dessert menu was equally imaginative and tempting. I am a lover of crème brûlée and at The Hare and Hounds, the chef has taken it to another level – adding a layer of spiced apple, raisin and cinnamon underneath the layers of crème and perfect crispy sugar topping. The crunch as the spoon hit through was as perfect as the flavour and texture combination. This is another pure genius take on a traditional dish. And my dining partner was equally delighted with her chocolate & orange truffle
There are great, imaginative choices for vegetarians and vegans at the Hare and Hounds, however, those who enjoy good quality, locally sourced meat have equal opportunity to get a real taste of Cumbria. The chargrill options alongside the handmade meat burgers and main dishes offer some delicious options.
And I must admit I’d like to return to try their pan fried fillet of fresh seabass on saffron mas with Chorizo, tender stem broccoli, green beans, oven roasted cherry tomatoes with a salsa rosso. However, I know I will need to book in advance to ensure a place at the table. Though we were there for mid-week lunch the other dining area was busy, and at weekends tables are usually booked in advance.
The new dining room is a dog free zone, however the bar and the two other characterful dining areas within the heart of the original inn welcome dogs with their owners for dining.
Owners Ash and Becky Dewar called the Hare and hounds a ‘free house with rooms’ however I would say it is much more.
The menu is imaginative, delicious, and encourages return visits – and the atmosphere of The Hare and Hounds is warm and relaxing and service attentive and friendly which makes this a great destination dining place. I now wish we had been staying over in one of their en suite rooms so we could have tried their beers, wines and cocktails.
5/5 stars for food, service, atmosphere and value for money.
- Our starter £5.95
- My main salad £13.95
- My companion’s main meal – Veggie Stack Burger with chips and homemade coleslaw £12.95
- My Spiced Apple, Cinnamon & sultana Crème Brulee with vanilla shortbread £6.50
- My companion’s Chocolate & Orange Truffle Torte with Blood Orange Sorbet £6.75
- Starters from £5.20
- Share starters from £6.95
- Fresh, thin and generous topped pizza from £7.50
- Homemade burgers with chips and homemade coleslaw from £12.95
- Mains from £13.95
- Desserts from £2
The Hare and Hounds at Levens
By Karen Morley-Chesworth
