PUMPKINS Bistro is a new eating place in Kendal town centre - and a very fine one it is, too.

The bistro, which opened in April, has an unfussy, pleasant ambience, enhanced by attractive artwork which gives it a Mediterranean feel.

You can opt to sit at a table or, if you’ve popped in just for a cuppa and a snack, you can occupy a wicker chair in one of the two reclining areas, which also include window seats.

The menu is varied and very reasonably priced.

I plumped for the battered haddock, chips and mushy peas with tea and a slice of bread and butter (a fair meal for £5.95), but I probably ought to have been more adventurous.

Starters range from £2.50 for soup to £3.95 for dishes such as spring roll and chilli burrito. Mains include steak pie, seafood crepe, homemade fishcakes and scampi, with the latter the most expensive item on the menu at £7.95.

There are also a range of jacket potato offerings for less than £5 and a decent children’s menu.

Pumpkins Bistro is open lunchtimes from Monday to Saturday and evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.