MEETING for a catch up, my sister-in-law and I headed to Pumpkins Bistro, tucked away on Allhallows Lane in the centre of Kendal.

I had heard good things about the homecooked food there, and was keen to try it out.

We were greeted by friendly staff and instantly felt at ease in the comfortable Mediterraneanesque surroundings.

There is a good selection on the menu, covering everything from a simple cup of tea with cake through to light bites, sandwiches and jacket potatoes. Hot main meals average around £6.50.

Feeling hungry, Viki and I headed straight for some pasta dishes – her the ham and mushroom tagliatelle, which has a creamy sauce spiced with paprika, and me the Mediterranean chicken. This had a tomato, red wine, garlic and mushroom sauce, and was also served with tagliatelle.

Both were delicious and filling, packed with ham and chicken. Viki said hers was not too creamy, and I thought mine was very tasty.

Even though it was a warm day we felt the urge for hot drinks and I accompanied my meal with a generous pot of tea and Viki had a ‘special’ hot chocolate, with a very thick head of cream.

We polished off the meal with carrot cake and a tiramisu, which were on the desserts specials board. The tiramisu was nicely drenched in espresso at the bottom, with lashings of chocolate sprinkled cream on top.

Viki said the carrot cake was very tasty, with a great texture from the fruit and nuts, and not too sickly. Again both were good portion sizes.

It helped that it was sunny outside but the ambience in the bistro was bright and cheerful, as were the staff.

All in all, good simple home-cooked food at a reasonable price in a cosy venue.

The total cost was £20.45 for two mains and two desserts (drinks excluded).

VERDICT

  • Food: 8
  • Service: 8
  • Atmosphere: 8
  • Value: 8