The Queen’s Head Askham – Review

The Queen’s Head is located in the small village of Askham, near Penrith in Cumbria conveniently located not too far from the M6.  Part of the Askham Collection, which also includes Askham Hall and The George and Dragon in the nearby village of Clifton.

Enjoying an informal atmosphere, The Queen’s Head in Askham is a real treat for those wanting delicious food with a casual approach.  Split into two parts, you have the bar on the right side and the restaurant to the left.  A cosy affair, offering just a small amount of tables.

The Queen’s Head offer a three course seasonal menu priced at *£58 per person (drinks not included). *Price as per writing July 2023.

The Dishes

To start we had a selection of appetisers, beer bread, deep fried monkfish and a goats cheese, red pepper profiterole.  All were really good especially the beer bread and as we’re not massive fish lovers, even the monkfish was nice.

For starters, Darren chose the cheese soufflè with summer truffle and I chose the soy glazed pork fillet with turnip, chard and cider sauce.  Both were delicious.

For main course, Darren chose the Meaburn lamb, tandoori spices, puy lentils, gherkin ketchup with Curthwaite jersey royals and I had the Wye valley asparagus, courgette, basil pesto, polenta and parmesan.  Again both were really tasty plates of food.  The lamb in particular was a melt in your mouth hit.

For dessert, Darren chose strawberries, Abbott lodges milk pannacotta with mint crumb and I chose the Casa Luka organic chocolate, hazelnut and Frangelico.  For me the dessert is always the highlight as I have a big sweet tooth and these didn’t disappoint!

Finally as if we hadn’t eaten enough, we were treated to an after mean sweet treat of pistachio macarons with a coffee to follow.

The selection of ingredients used and the dishes created showed great skill.  Keeping true to the ingredients and without losing their identity.  Each dish was delicious.  The portion sizes were perfect, for once I finished everything and whilst I was full, I wasn’t uncomfortably full.

There was a good selection of wine and on hand advice given to which wine would pair best with the food we were eating.

Service

The staff were very helpful and attentive without being overwhelming.  Offering advice on wine choice and explaining of dishes when asked.

Overall

We had a lovely evening at The Queen’s Head Askham and thought for what we ate was good value for money.  I would highly recommend!