692 reviews
#1 of 8 Restaurants in Pooley Bridge$$$$, British, Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options+44 17684 86334+ Add websiteWrite a ReviewImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mon
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thu
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Fri
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sat
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
MICHELIN
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Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice Best of the Best 2024
MICHELIN
View more on MICHELIN GuideRATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$90.00 – $215.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
meals, features
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
This immaculately kept bistro is set in the heart of a pretty Lake District village and its name is a reference to the year the property was first buil...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideCan a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
About
1863 is a beautiful small restaurant with a warm and friendly atmosphere. This intimate 32 cover eating experience offers customers a relaxed fine dining experience with seasonal menus made with local produce and expertly served up by a dedicated kitchen team.
PRICE RANGE
$90.00 – $215.00
CUISINES
British
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
692 reviews
Excellent
614
Very good
39
Average
23
Poor
12
Terrible
6
Martine
West Yorkshire5 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
Thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The food was exceptional, good service and a friendly atmosphere.
We had 3 courses for £35pp, we felt this was good value for money, the portion sizes being just right to allow you to enjoy each course and was served with complimentary bread and amuse bouche.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip
Bagshot5 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
We stayed one night on our way to Scotland in a room on the first floor overlooking the road and car park. Our room was excellent - very well appointed en suite shower room and very comfortable bed with TV and tea-making facilities. Though overlooking the road it was quiet and we were not disturbed by traffic noise. We had dinner in the restaurant. The food was delicious but portions were not large and the meal at £45 for three courses was a bit pricey. The breakfast was superb.
I would definitely recommend this 'restaurant with rooms' to stay, particularly en route to/from Scotland as it's not far off the M6 near Penrith.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abhijit_Says
Watford11 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
I had a wonderful dinner to celebrate my birthday with my daughter. I would recommend booking ahead of time as the restaurant is very popular. There is limited parking spaces for 1863 so you may need to find somewhere else nearby. We were provided with a three course one-sheet one-price menu with optional extras such as paired wines and a cheese board. The food was delicious, with wonderful flavours, particularly outstanding was the freshly baked soda bread. The beautifully plated portions were not large however the meal as a whole was filling and enjoyable. The service was friendly and attentive.
The experience was wonderful and I shall be returning when next in the Lakes.
Written December 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorraine T
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
We recently visited and had the 3 course set menu. Very friendly staff and attentive service. We were given an added taster dish each and delicious muffin bread. Each of the party selected different dishes and every dish came up imaginatively presented and beautifully cooked. The food was very fresh, interesting and different and made a great change from the usual stodgy food we saw on menus where we went. The wine we had was lovely and reasonably priced as was the recommended wines with the deserts. This place is something special. We highly record it and we will certainly go back.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentishBullies
128 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
Having read other glowing reviews of 1863 and realising the restaurant was a stone's throw from the cottage we were staying at, my husband and I booked a table for dinner last night. We were not disappointed!
A fantastic experience from start to finish - drinks in the bar, 3 courses & a few more drinks! Highlights for us were the lamb tartare starter, which was sublime! The duck & lamb mains were cooked to perfection with incredible flavours that complimented each other impeccably.
The restaurant had a great ambience, it was calm & relaxing with interesting decor and the staff were attentive & personable.
We'll definitely return next year when we visit Pooley Bridge again for our annual UK holiday!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suzieb
Leeds278 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Booked short notice due to covid, but thankfully could go, we were in room 3, perfectly formed, small and cosy with lovely views down into the village. We arrived on the day of the opening of the new bridge, what a treat! hopefully now Pooley Bridge will get to back to something like normal in these times. The restaurant well, puts its arms around you as you walk in with the lovely decor, the smiles of the staff and the warmth of the building. So, what do you come here for, not if you like pub grub that's for sure, the food is totally amazing, small portions yes, but the tastes are amazing, who wants not to be able to walk at the end of a meal! even if it is only up two flights of stairs. Sleep was peaceful, no noises with a lovely tray of coffee tea and biscuits from the lakes. We booked breakfast for the latest time 9.15am having ordered the night before, not a problem in these times, me for the scrambled eggs my husband for the full english, never in our travels in the uk have we had such a lovely tasteful breakfast with lovely piped music in a serene environment, home after one night but without doubt we will be back sooner rather than later. Thank you 1863 for making us feel well a bit more normal in these times.
Written October 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulineC
Congleton19 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
The food was exquisite. All of the 6 courses were beautifully presented and if you had a wine pairing with it it came with a decent portion of lovely wine. The food tasted even better than it looked. Would definitely come back. The staff were also lovely and attentive.
Written September 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete W
Manchester14 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We booked the overnight stay with dinner.
The welcome we received was warm & friendly, and it was good to see that COVID safety has been taken seriously.
Room - we stayed in room 7 which has ample space. There is plenty of storage and a TV facing the bed. A larger TV is also provided which faces a comfortable couch. The bathroom is modern and clean. Overall, a lovely room on the top floor of the building.
Restaurant - The staff are very friendly and provide a personal service. We were provided with good advice regarding our menu choices and throughout our meal we were not rushed and were left to enjoy our food and wine. My wife is vegetarian and the staff were keen to explain how some of the menu choices could be changed to improve the variety of choice, which can be lacking in many restaurants. All three courses were of the highest quality, and I do not say that lightly. Breakfast was of equal quality and could not be faulted.
I have seen other reviews where the volume of food has been described as being low. My own view is that 1863 provides a dining experience. You will have exceptional food prepared with absolute precision and respect. We eat decent sized portions at home, but what you get here is quality over quantity and a peek at amazing flavour combinations you are unlikely to have had before.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to repeat the experience in the future.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gayceChester
Holmes Chapel80 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We were recommended this restaurant by friends who ate here few weeks ago. They recommended we had the taster menu which was exceptional.
Both my husband and I had this on Sunday 6 September, we thoroughly enjoyed each course and the sourdough bread and jersey butter, which my husband had extras of !!
The staff are all excellent, they can't do enough for you but in a discreet way.
I can't agree with previous comments about the small portions as we could not manage a cheese board or coffee.
This was definitely the best meal we have had for a very long time. We will be back.
Thank you so much xx
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacation651530
6 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
Loved our visit from start to finish. Plenty of parking options in the area despite location, £4 all day parking (I think) at the most. Staff were super friendly and the establishment overall Covid conscious with plenty of measures in place. I felt the menu had something for everyone given the circumstances and the food we'd ordered was incredible. As soon as you walk through the door the atmosphere was very warming and welcoming. Would definitely return for another fine dining treat.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SIXOCLOCKTICKET
Bentley443 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
Wow, absolutely amazing food, flavour rich, artistic, exquisitely crafted.
This restaurant deserves a Michelin star and I’m sure it won’t be long coming. The food was stunning.
We couldn’t get an evening booking with the tasting menu so we booked a lunch with the By Day menu.
The watercress soup was both beautiful to look at and a joy to eat and so deep in flavour. Similarly the mackerel starter with pickled cucumber and buttermilk was a tastebud delight. The pairing wines went wonderfully well.
For main course we had chicken with mushrooms and lamb croquette with carrot purée. Melt in the mouth meats with sublime sauces, especially the mushroom ketchup on the chicken which was positively bursting with savoury loveliness.
And then the desserts! I had strawberries which were sweet and full of summer, but my wife had the standup dessert which was honey and blackcurrant pannacotta with a honeycomb tuille, absolutely delicious. And the cognac fortified paired wine with that just multiplied the experience.
One of the best meals I’ve had in some time. Can’t wait to go back for the tasting menu next time we are in the Lakes.
I should add that the staff were excellent, professional and personable and explained each dish and wine as it came.
Written August 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jogger55
Newbury207 contributions
Sep 2021 • couples
We had a delicious meal, such wonderful flavours and textures. The menu choice was good with 4 different choices in each category, starter,main and dessert . Although my husband likes a large plateful of food, even he admitted he was full after the meal. The waiting staff were extremely knowledgeable about all the food that we were served.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Newsh50
Oxford5 contributions
Sep 2022 • couples
Owning a lodge 2 miles away , we benefit from having 1863 on our doorstep and are repeat customers . Our wedding anniversary last night so we went for the 3 course dinner menu which is really 6 servings when you include the pre nibbles (croquets last night ) , bread (amazing soda bread) and then coffees and petit fours to finish , all for £65 per person lasting not far short of 2 hours . The greeting, pouring and serving staff are amazing and the chef team are very talented ! Every course is served and fully explained and the time flys with minimal wait times between courses . Atmosphere is relaxed and cosy and the decor is great ……. brilliant toilets and local hand wash/ moisturising to die for.
There is really nothing at 1863 not to like but book in advance , it’s worth the wait .
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IMC1721
Leeds28 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Visited on weekend 24th July . We opted for the 3 courses for £50.00 . I am a vegratarian. My wife went for Chicken Thigh for a starter , I went for the Roasted Carrot. For main Wild Sea bass and I went for the brassicas . I can honestly say this is one of the most dissapointing vegetarian meals I have had ina restraunt of this type and standing. It was a joke. My wifes potoes with the fish were aldenti ridiculous and my brassicase were a side dish at best. There were four hazelnuts and I didnt spot and Winchester cheese , there was no sustinence or undertsanding of food here never mind vegetarian food. A poor experience. Over priced and over played. A chef of any reasonable standing should understand that they cannot present this type of food and expect a good review. I was given £10.00 of the meal which was a further insult. A non meat or fish dish should be offered as such not neccessarily an exclusivve veggie option. Get a grip take a dive into Deliah or Rose Elliot , use get a grip and excite with pulses . So much scope so little imagination in the menu - a real shame.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phileas_Flogg
374 contributions
Sep 2021 • none
1863 is a small, understated, unpretentious restaurant that serves high-end food characterised by miniature dishes with complex flavours and impeccable presentation.
The artichoke soup was very well judged in terms of portion size and flavours and got the meal off to a great start. Chicken can often be bland an uninteresting but the deceptively small dish had both flavour-ful punch and was rich enough to consume a large portion of my appetite.
The desserts were beautifully presented and where there was fruit, tastes were intense.
Good selection of wines by the glass and unfussy but competent service from local staff. Pacing was very good.
As far as we are concerned, 1863 got ticks in all the boxes for the pricepoint.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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