THERE are only two good reasons why I usually feel compelled to dine out.

The first is because I’m hungry and far away from my own kitchen; the second is because I want a fine dining experience.

Choosing The Spinnery at Bowness was prompted by the former.

It was a wet and miserable evening and we simply needed somewhere warm and welcoming to plonk ourselves for a feed.

The Spinnery perfectly fitted the bill.

The restaurant is on two floors of one of the oldest buildings in Bowness, built in the1600s.

In the early part of the 20th Century it was used to display linen textiles and for teaching spinning and embroidery. Its owner Annie Garnett became so well known for her fabrics, they were sold in some of London’s most exclusive shops.

As a restaurant, The Spinnery has a more modest appeal. But if the food might not be fine dining, it was fine by me.

My starter of sweet poached pears and blue cheese with rasberry vinaigrette on rocket salad was delightfully refreshing.

It was followed by ‘local’ pork chop with black pudding, potatoes and veg with a cider and apple gravy. Although the pork was a bit on the dry side, it was a pleasant main. My other half settled on beef bourguignon, which she described as ‘acceptably tasty’.

We finished the meal with a shared dessert - a delicious cinammon apple crumble with ice cream. I could have eaten another one.

The Spinnery is in a distinctive location on Brantfell Road.

It has a rich, warm and traditional feel, mainly thanks to the polished woodwork, window seats and leaded glass.

I would certainly recommend the place to anyone who likes good wholesome, home-cooked fare at a fair price.

The restaurant offers a two-course inclusive menu £12.95, which we opted for, as well as a wide choice of a la carte meals.

Altogether, including drinks, our meal came to a very reasonable £32.65.