Name: The Old Bank

Where: Fisher Street, Carlisle

Website: www.theoldbank citypubandchophouse.co.uk

Tel No: 01228 818583

Opening hours: Wednesday 10.30am-3pm, Thursday 10.30am-3pm, 5.30-late, Friday 10am-3pm, 5:30-late, Saturday 10am-late, Sunday 12pm-5pm

Owner/chef: Matt Rayson

History: Established in 2016, Matt wanted to create a relaxed homely environment serving hearty pub classics with a twist. The Old Bank has scooped a Very Highly Commended Award in the Best Restaurant Category in the 2017 Carlisle Living Awards, and included in the top 200 places to eat in Cumbria for 2019 and as one of the top five places in Carlisle and surrounding areas for Sunday lunch.

Style of food: Gastropub with Matt’s added quirkiness.

Menu sample: Our three course menu costs £22.50 and includes starters of pork and chorizo sausage roll with red pepper puree and smokey pepper salsa; haggis Scotch egg with granny apple puree, sweet pickled raspberries, Snecklifter Ale, apple chutney and a redcurrant dressing; halloumi nachos with guacamole, tomato salsa, melted cheddar and tortilla crumb; pulled ham hock and parsley fritters with pea puree, spring peas and a wild garlic pesto dressing.

Mains feature king prawn, pea and sun dried tomato risotto with parmesan, glazed ham and red pesto dressing; maple and honey glazed ham slab with charred pineapple ketchup, fried free range egg and thick cut chips; beef, dark ale and caramelised onion pie with creamed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and rich beef gravy; crispy braised pork belly with white bean puree, patatas bravas, fried greens with chorizo and red peppers and a light pork sauce.

Desserts include dark chocolate and Nutella bar with chocolate soil, vodka poached oranges and a blood orange sorbet; baked carrot cake cheesecake with maple, ginger and walnut syrup and a clotted cream ice cream; new season Yorkshire rhubarb and custard trifle with Ginger Nut crumble and rhubarb ice cream; “Lemon Meringue Pie” with Limoncello jelly and mint sorbet;

In their own words: “Everyone that enters are treated like long lost family members which gives a great relaxed atmosphere. I wanted to create that place where you go for a meal and don’t feel rushed or pushed out after you have eaten.”