ONE of Bowness’s leading bar restaurant is now offering a novel new dining experience in the shape of ‘Pacific Street’ food.

With street food very much in vogue at the moment entrepreneur Stephen Hargreaves has decided to launch a menu inspired from Japanese cuisine at the Baha restaurant.

The eatery, which is based over three floors on Ash Street in Bowness, is embracing the very heart of the Pacific Street Food ethos by being the only establishment in Cumbria to use a form of cooking named ‘Robatayaki’, often shortened to robata.

It’s a style in which meat and fish are cooked at varying speeds over hot charcoal.

Creating the new Pacific Street Food menu is the result of the collaborative efforts of Mr Hargreaves and passionate Baha Executive Chef Jack Wyness.

“Taking inspiration from the Pacific Ring of Fire, the new Pacific Street Food menu has a distinct international feel with a heavy Japanese influence,” said Mr Wyness.

“There is tremendous scope to be creative with the dishes we have devised. In addition, we’re the very first ones in Cumbria to be using the Robata method. It’s really exciting.”

All dishes on the menu range from just £3.50 to £22.00 from Cumbrian fillet, chilli butter and crispy potato, to a savoury afternoon tea priced at £28.

Mr Hargreaves’ latest affordable offering for ‘casual and social dining’, comes two years after Baha launched in 2017, following a £3 million project.

It has always been a unique and stylish space but its recent refurbishment, in line with the new menu, has revealed a more laid-back and informal interior.

“Breaking the glass ceiling is not a new concept for me,” said Mr Hargreaves. "We’re doing that again with our pan-Asian food which is tasty, interesting and completely on-trend.

“Dining in 2019 has changed and customers want something unusual, stimulating and relaxed.

“Our ‘Pacific Street food’ is pioneering in this area and we’re delighted to be able to bring this exciting concept to the Lake District.”

The Baha establishment continues to offer live music and a space on the third floor for private hire accommodating around 100 people.