MY PARTNER and I aim to have a cheap ‘date night’ every week – and one such recent evening out took us to Bowness.

After a romantic stroll by the side of the lake, we decided to try to find an eatery that would offer good food without breaking the bank – but this proved difficult as we dismissed several places that were just a little too expensive.

Eventually, hungry and a little tired of looking, we settled on Sutherland’s, which promised good value pub fare in relaxing surroundings.

I was a little apprehensive, as the restaurant was crowded and the staff looked busy.

The interior of the restaurant looked as if it could do with a facelift and the toilets, although modern and clean, were through what looked like the hallway of somebody’s house.

But the main thing is – the food did not disappoint. I ordered the lasagne, with garlic bread and salad, at £8.95.

The large lasagne was delicious and packed with filling. It offered just the right balance between rich tomato and creamy flavours and the accompanying garlic pitta bread tasted lovely dipped into the dish. A large salad also accompanied.

My partner plumped for the fail-safe option of a ‘classic burger’ and chips – also £8.95 – and was also left satisfied.

He said the burger was large and tasty and the chips were thick and tasty, a perfect indulgence.

The waitress who served us seemed busy but friendly and we definitely felt looked after.

Full of food, we took another quick turn around Bowness to walk off the excesses, concluding that Sutherland’s was a real find. It certainly proves the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

* The total cost of two main meals, excluding drinks, was £17.90