Four & Twenty — Restaurant in England

As a regular traveller up and down the M6 seeking decent fare on overnight stays, and having discovered this total gem of a restaurant by chance several years ago... I have not failed to return regularly since - most recently just this week - and never been disappointed, not once. The quality of the cooking is superb, quite matching the invention and ingenuity that goes into the creation of truly appealing seasonal menus.

Regular patrons, and there must be many if Penrith has not lost all sense of culinary discernment, will recognise a core homage to Cumbrian beef, lamb and pork offered in a variety of cuts and styled with a range of sauces and accompaniments, so that even these standards are ever-changing in their concept and presentation. The menu changes with the seasons, taking account of the latest fresh produce. On a previous visit roasted lamb rump was offered with a slow cooked Isle of Wight tomato, a lamb moussaka, fresh summer vegetables, and even the drizzled balsamic and olive oil was minted. Bliss! But equally I've witnessed it offered with crushed new potatoes, wild garlic and Lancashire cheese... gorgeous.

The menus cater for all tastes... duck and chicken appear regularly; and vegetarians and pescetarians are well looked after too, with similar attention to variety and intriguing, often artistic, presentation. You will find luscious cod and fragrant sea bass swimming at you out of the menu; but also star options such as turbot served in a delectable lobster 'minestrone'... a total, taste-popping delight. On a previous visit there was a starter of turbot fish fingers; not, you might think, the way to treat the King of the Sea, but it was expertly done to preserve the mild sweetness of this star favourite... brave in concept, stunning in execution. Also, not often do you find a twice baked cheese souffle offered as a starter, and with such success.

Lovely puddings too, and an excellent, well-chosen wine list. The menu helpfully offers a wine pairing for every dish. Service is knowledgeable, friendly and very professional. Tables are well spaced and the overall ambience is welcoming. Cooking of this standard, variety and consistency is rare... all the dishes, dainty or otherwise, could certainly be set before a king. But I strongly recommend you try them for yourselves instead! On weeknight evenings they also offer a very cost conscious prix-fixe menu, for two or three courses... amazing value. Booking highly...

Visited Four and Twenty during the COVID-19 crisis, on arrival the entrance had detailed instructions to follow around their COVID-19 secure policies and also had hand sanitising station in situ’. We were shown to our table and further details of COVID policies explained. The restaurant was well spaced out and spotlessly clean. The menu was small but varied and had something for all, we both ordered Wild Boar terrine for starter which was very tasty and a very nice change from patè, my partner ordered Lamb and I ordered Partridge for main course, we both thought our meal was delicious, both courses were presented very well. The staff were very friendly and helpful, 1st time we’ve been to this restaurant and we will definitely visit again.

2 starters 2 mains Mango fruit cocktail 1 pint of lager

£70...

The best meal for our 4-day trip in Lake District. First of all, we received a very warm (on a wet and chilly day) and friendly welcome. The 2-course lunch menu we had was approaching fine dining quality but cost only 23 GBP. You may have a 3-course menu (starter, main and dessert) at 3 GBP more. That is absolutely value for money. This is a casual bistro style restaurant which also offers wine pairing. The recommended wines seemed to be very solid and reasonably priced. Too bad I could not taste any of them as I had to drive back to Glasgow after lunch. Overall, an ideal place to stop over for a meal if you pass by Penrith on your way to or back from the...