There aren't many pubs with a Michelin star in the UK, and there are even fewer with a tasting menu. Yet The Dog and Gun Inn in Skelton has both, attracting diners from all over Cumbria and further afield. This cosy country pub offers an a la carte menu too, as well as a good selection of drinks to be enjoyed with a meal or at the bar. The raw wood floors and fireplace ooze rustic charm, while head chef and co-owner Ben Queen-Fryer brings the heat from the kitchen.
Those dining a la carte here will be greeted by two bread options to start: rosemary and sea salt focaccia with romesco or brioche with whipped butter and toasted yeast. From there, things quickly get more decadent with the likes of a twice-baked Torpenhow cheddar and black truffle souffle or wild rabbit pie in brown butter pastry. Vegetarians can opt for the smoked heritage potato terrine with shallots and blackcurrant balsamic. After that, diners can enjoy elevated pub classics, such as Maryport Dover sole with scampi, vermouth butter sauce and chips. Other highlights include the Pringle House lamb leg and harissa pie with confit shoulder and the grass-fed Dexter beef fillet with onion rings, sauce poivrade and chips. Finish with the likes of a Valrhona dark chocolate millefeuille with salted caramel and hazelnut ice cream, or a selection of four Courtyard Dairy cheeses with crackers and truffled honey.
The tasting menu, meanwhile, follows a similar style to the a la carte, but with a touch more elegance. As such, you'll find more refined dishes like a smoked heritage potato or blackcurrant souffle added in, as well as some Armagnac truffles for good measure. Please note that dogs are more than welcome in the pub, but only in the back bar.