Diners in the northwest English city of Lancaster are spoilt for choice, with everything from locally sourced British fare and globally inspired cuisine to choose from. Whether upscale British pub eats or authentic French food whets your appetite, our round up of the historic city’s top local restaurants will feature something to suit.
1. Merchants 1688
Pub, American, Pub Grub, co*cktails, Wine, Beer
Just a stone’s throw from Lancaster Castle lies Merchants 1688, an upscale pub and restaurant nestled in a unique location, a 300-year-old former wine merchant’s cellar. Contemporary British cuisine crafted from locally sourced produce is the order of the day with tempting dishes like classic Lancashire hot pot served with red cabbage and rosemary focaccia and locally caught beer-battered cod with hand-cut chips and mushy pies and a popular traditional roast served on Sundays. Fans of craft beer won’t be disappointed either with Merchants 1688’s extensive range of British and global ales which include offerings from locally based Old School Brewery and London’s Partizan Brewing.
2. Kashish
Restaurant, Indian, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan
Indian cuisine with a Kashmiri twist is dished up at Kashish, a restaurant that dubs itself the ‘king of curry’. And that’s not just a lofty claim, it is indeed one of the city’s most popular Indian restaurants. Kashmiri inspired curries like balti and rogan josh are served alongside classic curries like madras, jalfrezi and korma and newly introduced dishes such as Himalayan lentil soup and chicken shashlik kebabs. While the food is the main pull, Kashish’s location is gorgeous too, housed in Lancaster’s Parliament Buildings built in 1870, the restaurant boasts a beautiful, historic façade contrasted with a stylish and wholly modern interior.
3. Quite Simply French
Restaurant with Rooms, French, British, Vegan, Vegetarian
Located in a beautifully converted 18th-century warehouse on Lancaster’s historic St George’s Quay, Quite Simply French is the place to go for fine, authentic French cuisine. Inspired by local and seasonal produce, the restaurant’s menu invites guests to try classically Gallic starters like frogs’ legs pan sautéed with garlic and herb butter followed by mouth watering mains like pan fried Lancashire fillet of beef with ratatouille and a cracked black pepper and brandy cream sauce, while its love of seafood is clear in dishes like grilled lobster and homemade fish pie. Naturally, a fantastic wine list featuring plenty of French selections complement’s the restaurant’s cuisine while classic desserts include crème brûlée and chocolate fondue.
4. The Meeting House
Restaurant
The Meeting House
Opened by chef and owner Leann Smith and her father Eddie in 2012, The Meeting House serves a mix of British and European inspired fare served in a stylish, central location featuring exposed stone walls and beams. Choose from starters like slow roasted pork belly and black pudding with apple puree or chicken liver and sherry pâté with toasted bread and red onion marmalade, followed by mains like braised lamb shank with red wine and mint just and creamy mashed potatoes or pan-fried sea bass with chorizo and basil risotto. With indulgent options like sticky toffee pudding and white chocolate cheesecake diners will want to save room for dessert too.
The Meeting House, 11-15 Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, UK, +44 (0)1524 848 049
5. Blue Moon
Restaurant, British, Thai
A modern Thai restaurant offering fine dining at affordable prices, Blue Moon opened its doors in late 2011 and has attracted a steady stream of guests ever since. Familiar fare like pad Thai and spicy green curry features alongside lesser known dishes like ped pad prik (stir-fried duck breast with chilli, onion, red and green pepper, green beans and bamboo shoots) and pla nung see ew (steamed sea bass with ginger, mushrooms, spring onions and soy sauce) and complemented by traditional desserts like gluary buard chee (banana in coconut milk).
6. The Fenwick
Gastropub, British, European, Seafood, co*cktails, Wine, Beer
Nestled in the heart of the Lune Valley a short drive from Lancaster in the pretty village of Claughton is The Fenwick, a 250 year old country inn serving gastropub fare with a special focus on seafood. Featuring a historic half timbered exterior and a warm, welcoming interior boasting open fires and a chic, modern design, Try dishes like smoked haddock with bubble and squeak, soft poached egg and wholegrain mustard sauce alongside carnivore-friendly options like baby back ribs with corn on the cob, fries and barbecue sauce. Breakfast and lunch are served too, while desserts include steamed syrup sponge pudding with custard and vanilla rice pudding with raspberry jam.
8. The Whale Tail Café
Cafe, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
The Whale Tail Café first opened over 25 years ago focusing on local, seasonal and organic produce. Open from morning until late afternoon daily, the café’s scrumptious breakfast menu features a vegetarian take on the full English with veggie sausage and organic smoked tofu, while daytime treats include daily specials like watercress, lentil and roast garlic soup or griddled halloumi, yellow pepper and basil quiche. Better yet, there’s a gorgeous patio perfect for al fresco dining when Britain’s inclement weather complies and art fans will enjoy The Whale Tail Café’s frequent art exhibitions from locally based talents.
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