Eileen M Shinners - International Author and Writer - Restaurants United Kingdom

Phoenix Magazine Restaurants
Photographer/Author
Eileen M Shinners
Restaurant Critic - United Kingdom - Universal

Lake District Life; Cumbria.

Burnside Hotel Windermere

The Lake District; Burnside Hotel, and Restaurant; Bowness on Windermere was the place I had the pleasure of staying. Close to Lake Windermere, the views from the window were of Lake Windermere. The Restaurant for breakfast was interesting, I was the youngest guest, the time had come to mix with the pensioners.

Dinner was served to a fine art, I enjoyed every part of it, fine dining at it's best. Yes this Hotel Restaurant knew how to look after their guests, I was pleased to be looked after. Happy with life.... You Serve ... I was certainly happy with my two nights stay tasting the food that was served in the Hotel Restaurant.

Stove Restaurant
Langdale Hotel & Spa.

The Restaurant was a cocktail, and perhaps dinner, who knows we were on a break. Fully booked we were told, really the tables were empty. But then we were shown to a small table near the gangway. It was cosy enough, but we would have been in the way of most of the diners as they walked past us.

Then a table appeared, and we sat to have dinner, a bottle of Sauviguon Blanc, we were set. Cottage Pie done the trick for me, it was tasty enough, I enjoyed all of it. Gravy would have been a good idea, as it was a bit dry. My friend wasn't too sure whether she enjoyed or not, too tacky she remarked. The Carrot Cake wasn't the normal Carrot Cake, and I didn't enjoy it so much, it had the spices, but there was something missing. Please, it needs to be moist, and with that delicious creamy topping, I enjoyed for certain - But sort the Carrot Cake out.

Gusto Restaurant & Bar
Lytham St Annes

A place to stop, a place to eat, is it the time for a treat. I had walked along the seafront to get to Lytham, not realising the length of the walk. Spending my time at the Ball group, which may I add was a disruptive weekend. I had popped in for peace, and quiet, for a change to get away from the maddening crowd. I began to feel a little bit surprised as I had been noticed. A Prosecco, a meal, and a bus ride back to a hotel that had breached my confidential privacy. I enjoyed my time at Gusto's, the food was certainly well worth the trek from the hotel. The views along the sea front are breath-taking, and beautiful.

Farlam Hall - Cedar Tree Restaurant

"Happy Birthday" A birthday treat and the idyllic setting of relaxation. This is for sure the beauty of the countryside and those views. To the Afternoon Tea with different tastes of freshness, with the colourful journey of Afternoon Tea. All good, no complaints. All smiles in a calm atmosphere. Next time I may sit in the Lounge for a bit, if it is free!

The Lake District Adventure
Staveley Antiques - Cafe' Eclec Lake District Cumbria
The Quarter Lounge - Carlisle

Staveley Antiques - Cafe' Eclec - Lunch; Somewhere warm, and somewhere special. Out for lunch in Staveley, The Lake District. Coffee as a starter. Winter has it's beauty, but freezing. not much of that sun today.

It was going to be a warm veggie meal, a veggie dal, I don't mind trying veggie dishes, but I still like the protein of fish, and meat for sure. The dish was warm, so no need for thermal underwear, I was warm, it was certainly very tasty, and the choices were evidently thought of well. This is an Antique place with the cafe' at the back, it was worth a a look, but watch that you do not knock anything over. Money, money money, it's a rich man's world.

My dessert was an Almond crema cake, very French, Italian, or even Spanish. Earl Grey tea, and a fire to watch, and keep warm by. The play, the play forever today. But then envy, insecurity, jealousy rules the day. How do I put up with it, I smile, and think what idiots. Everywhere I go, this is fame. Please visit this place it's worth a look. Whilst measuring the light, , they pick up the vice.

The Lake District, so plentiful in cafe's and restaurants.

Penny Blue - Halston Hotel
Carlisle Cumbria

Afternoon tea with a twist, Penny Blue Restaurant which is part of The Halston Hotel. Carlisle, a birthday, and my daughter. A gift to her for her birthday. The set up was better than last time I had visited the hotel. London was in the throws of the wedding of the year. Harry and Megan. So the restaurant was quiet, and far more personal. We were seated at a table with plenty of room for Arthur, and his friend Pickle to enjoy afternoon tea too.

Plenty to eat, with Salmon Brioche, Ham Hock Sandwiches, Coronation Chicken. Tea, Champagne, Prosecco. The dessert was a delight, Macaroon, Scones with Jam, and Cream, Chocolate Brownie. The taste of pure luxury, and being spoilt was part of the plan. We were shown how the Hotel/Restaurant had begun expanding into something better, and upmarket. The function room was amble for weddings etc. Halston Hotel, Penny Blue Restaurant sits in the heart of Carlisle, and is most certainly worth a visit. Make sure you book as it does become very busy. We were looked after very well.

Penny Blue Restaurant. The Lounge area that food can be served here. Very relaxing, when you walk through the doors you move into a special time, be it dinner, afternoon tea, drinks at the bar, relaxing in the lounge, or staying the night, take a look at Halston Hotel, or a drink in Bartons Yard. Enjoy yourself whatever you do. I have been here a few times now, sometimes attracting the stalkers and sometimes in peace.

The Last Zebra
Carlisle

A couple of cocktails, and the ambiance. The barman doing his Tom Cruise bit with the cocktails. Arthur was just not too sure about a sad cocktail. But I enjoyed it. The last cocktail was with Amaretto tasty, both of us enjoyed, birthday cocktails. There's a time to celebrate and a birthday is on of those moments.

Carlisle Cumbria - The Castle - The shopping Centre

Chocolat Hotel. Carlisle Cumbria. Yummy, this Chocolate has far more Cocoa than the normal Chocolate. Treats for my daughter, and for myself. New to the town, the shop we found ourselves looking around, gifts, treats galore there is a Cafe', Restaurant to the back of the shop, but we didn't venture there this time, perhaps next time we will. Champagne Chocolates are always a must for me, and a bar of sheer Cocoa to add to the bag. Now Cocoa is extremely good for you. As well as being yummy. You will find this shop delicious, we most certainly did, Christmas present for everyone here.

Restaurant Valerie. Carlisle Cumbria. A restaurant, plus a tearoom. It was a stop after Hotel Chocolat, and the quick shop in Primark, my love of the the fleeces. Well Autumn is here, and it will be soon be Winter. I gathered all that I needed to keep me warm, I hate being cold. The Primark bag was on show this time, normally I would bring another upmarket bag to cover up. But today I was happy with showing people that I had bought my fleeces in Primark.

Onto Restaurant Valerie, and breakfast, a pot of Earl Grey Tea for me, and my daughter a pot of English Tea. Cheesy roll that my daughter tucked into, and I had the pancakes with Mascarpone Cheese, and Strawberries. Life was good, picking up a bag of Macaroons, and a cupcake. All in a morning of eating for us. Attentive, and busy. Nothing was too much, the service was good.

The Lake District
Blackwell - The Arts & Craft House - Windermere - Cumbria
Chesters by the River - Skelwith Bridge Cumbria
Herdwicks Cafe & Bistro - Coniston Cumbria

The day he said, as she the yesterday, of a around the lakes. Both my neighbour Bob, and Sue, myself, and two small bears began our journey from Kendal to Backwell The Arts & Crafts, and what a beautiful place it is. Coffee, and a Florentine Biscuits was the call of the morning. I sat I with a view out of the window, the view of was Lake Windermere it a was but a rained, but it didn't spoil the view. Or the view that enjoyed. It will a home to enjoy, you can when, you can the house the exhibition, allow to you you to in into every nook, and cranny.

The tea-room offer an array of delicious cakes and indulge in, complemented by a gift shop. The benefit of free parking is a a plus, especially since in the National Trust Area tends to charge a premium of the parking. A visit comes highly recommended, not just for the amenities but also for the view, which can only described as breath-taking. Arthur and Tom particularly enjoyed their photo.

From Blackwell we continued our journey through Bowness on Windermere, and onto Ambleside, the views are always good even in the rain. Making our way past The Lang-dales, and towards Skelwith Bridge. Here we stopped for food and of course a small bottle of Prosecco. A wheat bread pizza, with Halloumi Cheese. Set very close to the river.

The food was somewhat delicate, and tasty. I will try most foods just to enjoy the taste, indifferent, vegetarian or not. Leaving here to walk along the river to the opening of the land to the mountains. A photo pose for Arthur , and his friend Tom. Then moving onto Coniston, and the big mountain named "The Old Man of Coniston." This was a view of the world, here my camera snapped and snapped. It continued to show the beauty of The Lake District. Making our way down to Coniston for Tea, and Cake. Making the walk through the town, right to the end of the town.

The Herdwick Cafe' & Bistro. The area was something of beauty. A new building that let the light in on the sheep. I had found some new sheep along the journey of Coniston.

Homegrown Coffee & Kitchen Windermere Cumbria

A Winters delight of everything sweet and divine. The fire embraced my every being. Coffee and cake, yes, please, this allowed me to enjoy Windermere. A place to return to whenever the need to have a sweet experience. Peaceful and neighbourly, the movement of people. Finding the warmth by the fire. Open for enjoyment if you are into the sweet taste of luxury.

The Dutch Uncle - Carlisle Cumbria

Christmas shopping done, time to chill. Regardless of working as a critic with restaurants. Having already been to the Shabby Scholar, a restaurant in partnership with the Dutch Uncle. It was now time to taste not only the Cocktails here but also the food. We had tired to get in this restaurant before, but not made too welcome. This time the welcome was there. I told you, that is the Dutch Uncle.

Pressies done, drink to come. A Porn Star to begin with, well why not. I always wanted to try this Cocktail with a Prosecco shot, and today I am.

Egg, Chickpea, Spicy Cumbria Sausages, I am not in spicy person, with the spice. I A free Shot to finish. We enjoyed, and I had an article to write. Lady was the word of the day. Well I know I am a Lady, my daughter remarked that she had never heard the word spoken so much. "But we are Ladies, and it's Ladies Day."

Sizergh Barn Farm Shop & Cafe' - Sizergh - South Lakes - Lake District

We all love a good farm shop, and this is one of them. Coffee first before a look around the goodies. Warm, and friendly. Light, and calming. This was a joy to walk around. I found a Christmas ornament, a special gift.

Interesting gift choices, and a whole range of beautiful food. Definitely a must to visit for the Christmas time, or any time of the year.

You can watch the cows being milked, the countryside is a picture of beauty, with breath-taking views, I loved the ambiance, and the social side of this journey into the unknown. Adventures come in all shapes, and forms. And this was a day of adventures. Little journey's create bigger, interesting journey's in life. A change in direction, is a change for the better.

Watch the road coming in as the forever roadworks were apparent, where would life be without the roadworks. This is part of the Lake District journey to the beauty of the views. In the views I was looking for peace, but found it hard to find.

Kirby Lonsdale - South Lakes - Lake District

Look at this amazing view, it does make you wonder how in life the most cheapest form of pleasure is overlooked by excitement in different directions. You have to just soak up this beautiful energy, and then take a deep breath, the air has an enriching quality. We found the Devil's Bridge. Need I say more. You have to believe in the Devil to see what it represents, and the Devil is not a belief of mine, so there was no significance at all, just a bridge with a beautiful view.

Number Forty Four, A new found Cafe', Patisserie, Brasserie, this is a place with ambiance, people come in for coffee, cake or chips, lunch with Prosecco of course, the shared bowl of chips, with the unusual bap. Not normally a fan of batter, or breadcrumbs, but this was different. Tummy full, and onto the next place. Yes not hard to guess is it. Chocolat, no not Hotel Chocolat, but certainly a fine selection of the most divine tastes. Different to the norm, this place is well worth a visit, the salted caramel, and many different tastes for you to try, pop along and enjoy.

Hansen's Ice-Cream Parlour

I had found myself an Ice-Cream Parlour just outside of Kendal. Tucked out of the way of the noisy traffic, and with the views of the country-side. This is still very much the Winter time, and yes I know Ice-Cream is a Summer thing. But I wanted to see what it had to offer. I will return when the weather is better.

So to look from the outside it's a house that has been converted to an Ice-Cream Parlour & Cafe/Restaurant. You walk into a smiley atmosphere, and yes the ambiance is a welcoming one. I sat in the area of the children, energy so much better for me. Looking artistically at what there was on offer. "Yummy" My thoughts were saying, and Yummy it was. A glass dessert dish of ice-cream to start with, the starter so to speak.

Followed by my breakfast, yes it pays to be different in a sheepy world. There in front of me was the most delicious Chocolate Cake, and a pot of Earl Grey Tea. I love both Tea and Coffee, but I am a little fussy of my choices, as a matter of fact I am a snob with my choices. It's part of the class.

Divinely created; the chocolate cake was certainly that, it was succulent, moist, and just tasty what more can I say. The tea came with a certain class in itself, who would think it. This place was full, it must be the place to go on a day of rain. The young people who served were there to help, and were very friendly.

Yew Tree Barn;
Restaurant - Shop

The Yew Tree Cartmel; What a wonderful place to stop for a coffee and to search for the unexpected pressie. The top end of the market in fine furniture and things that you cannot find elsewhere appearing in front of you. I had a delightful cup of coffee and a brownie that I shared. Neighbours and we travel The Lake District. Not many moreplaces to see now. A place to visit all year round. Welcoming staff, and good food.

Cartmel - Cartmel Races
Cartmel Cheeses
Holker Hall & Gardens

A stroll around a delightful village with all the finery of food. There is a restaurant here I must try before I finish the story of Cartmel. A great deal of gift places, old and fine antique places. The food and wine shops to enjoy. I will keep you updated as I visit this beautiful restaurant in the near future.

Cartmel Cheeses.
A pleasure served with a smile. The aroma as you walk into this shop is amazing. Cheeses from afar and local cheeses. Open the door and just take in the aroma, then allow yourself some time to explore, even taste some of the delights. A shop not to miss.

Holker Hall & Gardens - I have the pleasure as a restaurant critic to enjoy the first class food and what I would call the normal food cooked to a sublime taste. The drive along the long driveway towards Holker Hall was beautiful and I feel as the Summer months come to the Gardens it will be even more beautiful. The food very tasty, the shop beside the restaurant also gives you fine foods for fine people, so you fine people out there, make a journey to explore the fine foods the are tasty.

Old Beetham
Post Office Tea Rooms

Door opened into a beautiful quaint little tearoom. Delicious, Ginger cake and Coffee Crema what more does a lady want. Well just a view of the countryside and of course the church which was being used with the acoustics of the orchestral sounds. Not much parking here so look around you will find a spot near a car park. Local neighbours have claimed the road as theirs. Are we tempted to be rebels. Perhaps not today. Finding a car park near the church.

Heysham - Lancashire

The Royal, Heysham. Lancashire Morecombe Bay

Heysham, is a corner or the world that has as an idyllic quietness about it. You walk into small village with an abundance of history in which need exploring, A church that has a quiet aura that speak in volumes of a history above it in the hills of Heysham.
It has a closeness to the sea and an energy of the old ruins.. A walk, a view and it t can transport you the times old.. It does attract the many and consoles the few.

The sea in which is near but also very far from the shores of Lancaster. Morecambe is a stone's throw away that is in need of some investment and a good transformation to being a fantastic town. Not far from the shores of the Lake District which is a beauty in itself. And of course a short journey to the borders of Scotland. All in a day of the journey of the soul.

I found an attentive situation, beautiful food that suited my soul. And an ice-cream cafe' that reminded me of times gone by. A fifties look was a way to bring me in. Chocolate ice-cream and a pot of tea. Very welcoming and a journey well worth exploring. Eric Morecambe in a statue at the promenade of Morecambe.

A quick look at Carnforth station and the history of a film "Brief Encounter" what a shame the station was shut. And on a Saturday. I had my time of running around the station just to check the journey of the film. Slightly disappointed but another day may bring some fruition.

Here we are a place that takes us back in time. Frank Sinatra played in the back ground. "I did it my way" yes I most certainly did, without a doubt I conquered my own fears and transformed my life into what it is now. For the love of the journey gave us a corner of Curiosity. Yes, this is a Cafe' that has it all. Ice-cream on order with a pot of tea. Lunch is on the menu or a slice of cake. I was totally spoilt. How I love my journey, my own path of enlightenment has enlightened my soul to the complications of others. Visiting Heysham gave me an insight to what the synchronicity's of life can give you.

Levens - Tea Room & Cafe'

"If I must" The words were said with a view of the cakes in front of me. I am a willing participant in cake tasting. So Chocolate Millionaires Cake to be shared. Not so greedy. The cakes were labelled. Brilliant I knew what I was asking for. All there for my delight. Visiting Levens Hall, the tearoom is something to try on a journey through the Lake District. Enjoy; I most certainly did. Another day and another cake, liquorice and Lemon, a tasty cake with a marzipan taste. A chocolate cake to share, a big piece for sure. That's what life is all about sharing and tasting what is surely divinely created. A coffee in distinction and we were set for a walk of the grounds. A walk in the grounds of Levens. we seemed to be going in circles to find a way around again. Levens always has something to offer on any type of day. The grounds are perfect, we always seem to meet the ruck-sack gang.

To wonder the woods around the fields that grow the crops and more, to walk by the water, to see the blue sky, the fresh air and the greenery mixed in with the smells of the country air, that could be full of ---- but who care when you are as free as a bird.

Levens Hall Gift Shop

Now here's a thing, walk around at your leisure and enjoy the smells, the aroma of the soaps. I had to buy a soap just for me. Scented soaps just to see if that wonderful smell lasts before the soap disappears, experimental one needs to know these things. By the time you have walked around the gift shop and tried to peek into the garden it's time to move on.

The Albion
Arnside Lancashire

Gilliams Tearooms
Ulverston Lake District
The Albion; Arnside.

"Who's for tea then" Me, Me and Me. After walking around the town it was a quick step into the tearooms. Gilliams has all sorts of surprises. Ground coffee, teas and other goodies at your disposal. I love being given a proper pot of tea. All three of us had a pot each. Isn't that sublime. One could not have asked for more. Take a look inside you won't be disappointed.

There is something about The Lake District that keeps unfolding, as long as it keeps attracting the foodies it will stay vibrant, if it starts going to the ruining of the landscape, then it will lose it's magic of the beautiful views that bring so many people to The Lake District.

So to yet another journey across the Lake District. The journey of the neighbours, we had stepped into Levens Hall Tea and Cafe' for coffee and a shared cake now to walking the paths of Arnside after travelling through Silverdale. To my surprise I had been shown a "Spite Wall" There is a picture amongst the many. The Northerners build walls and the Southerners plant trees. My, my what a world we are in.

The sea stretched as far as it could and only the children dance within the streams of the seas. Quick sands are here and one must respect the sea and it's dangers. Looking over the bay Grange over Sands could be seen. Now to finding a place to have lunch and then to watch as the waters rush by, a filling up of the bay in a quick motion, no time to think. A ten minute warning was sounded as I sat and had my lunch at The Albion. And then a rush of a wave came into focus, not enough to surf on by enough to see how people have lost their life's in Morecambe Bay.

So to lunch which was very tasty indeed. I had chosen slightly on the vegetarian side even though I eat in a sensible manner and will eat meat if it is a good dish. I prefer organic food than to food that is on a conveyor belt system. I eat what I want regardless of the controlling ways of others. Some Northerners are friendly some not so, but then I can say the same for Southerners. Lunch for today was finished and to look at the rising water then to an ice-cream. Yes Arthur and Antony came along for the journey.

Italian ice-cream is the best and sometimes you have to make some kind of comparison to see what others have achieved on their journey of ice-cream making. Lot's of different flavours. Another day, another flavour.

The day done and slowly moving forward to understand what people like in the corner of yet another world of simplicity in itself. Another day in the journey of the Lake District.

Chesters by the River Skelwith Bridge
Baldry's Coffee Shop
Gingerbread Grassmere
Ambelside Lake District.

This is a place that is always busy. Today a Pizza, Sweet Potato loaded with some tasty dressings. Then to watch as the cakes kept disappearing before my eyes. Quick grab a Lemon Meringue, a take home piece to enjoy. As you do. Always the best and the best is yet to come. Standing on the bridge watching as the waters raged by with a meaning of reaching it's place in the journey to the sea. Life can be so interesting when searching for a place that gives you everything.

And then there is Grassmere, a journey to the centre of the Lake District. I was expecting beautiful views and I got them. Parking a little bit of a problem and that means tourism. A very busy place, all kinds of nationalities and they were all looking for the same thing. A tea-room, the ginger shop, Wordsworth who apparently lived here and died here, but was born in Cockermouth. The knowledge we pick up when we play the tourist game.

So we had created a journey of the tourists. Even though it is busy and there are little or no pathways so that you are stepping in the road. You must visit, it does have a quaintness about it and in that you need to see the sloping hills that touch the skies. We found the restaurant that was on the list and coffee with chocolate cake was on order. Busy, busy. The wonderment of life and the journey of others. Baldry's is a place to visit, breakfast, cake, coffee and tea.

And next to visit the Ginger shop. Yes it's Gingerbread and it is different to what I was brought up with. Having a childhood of living with the taste of the Christmas Gingerbread house. This isn't the taste of that. It has it's own taste and some will like and some will not. It is a hot ginger and you will have to have an acquired taste to enjoy. I enjoyed; but prefer my childhood tastes.

Grassmere - Gingerbread
Lake District

The best Gingerbread that I have tasted, you have to go around so many bends, corners and tourists to find this place, but it is worth the travel and the queue. It is a Lake District treasure. The views are amazing as you travel to Grassmere. Fabulous and a melting taste with the view of the Lake District.

You really cannot do any better than that. Find a way to enjoy that avenues of the Gingerbread taste of the Lake District

Beetham Nursery - Milnthorpe

Welcome to Santa's Grotto; But Santa wasn't there. A walk around the decorations with a view of the winter wonderland. Just a little gift for the new baby and then moving towards the cafe'. Walking around the plants. Now this would really be a wonderful place in the Spring Summer as the energy of the plants would give the healing needed.

We sat beside a couple of girls and yes I mean girls who again needed to play. I asked for brown bread and I got white. It went back this time and I will not put up with inefficiency. If someone tells you to do different to what I have asked you then do as I ask you. Is it me or are these humans so thick that they do not understand plain English, or are they so dense and feel the need to follow someone who is as dense as they are. Beetham Rabbit or Welsh Rabbit with a twist. Vegetarian food; there is not so much choice and I have allergies in which I have to careful with what I eat. So giving me white bread when I ask for brown is not listening to my needs and certainly not keeping a customer happy. I do wonder if some people are stupid beyond belief.