We had such a fabulous meal at De Brito Craigs, Wheatsheaf Inn this weekend that I had to come straight here and share it. My intention is to share more off the cuff posts on here about the food we cook and eat. I tend to remember to review the more unusual or posh meals that we have but pub meals like the Gastropub restaurant we discovered in Cockermouth need sharing too. These restaurants have had just as hard a time of it during lockdown.
Where is De Brito Craigs Wheatsheaf Inn?
We found this great place as we pass quite frequently on the A66 on our way to the Premier Inn at Cockermouth. We love this area of West Cumbria, the heart of the western lake district which is probably more northern than most people go. The area is not as tourist heavy as many of the other areas of the Lake District but just as beautiful.
The evening that we visited was the day of Storm Eunice so definitely not a day for making the most of the fabulous beer garden or the play area. We were desperate for some good food after such a wild and windy day and this was the ideal place. It is always a little nerve wracking, walking into a country pub with your desperately hungry children but the warm welcome we received straight away from several staff members and the owner put our minds at ease.
We were surprised how small the stylish lounge area was but this made it more homely and felt like perfect venue for our evening meal. Sat right beside the log wood burner, we were soon toasty and warm, enjoying a pint of one of the many cumbrian ales on offer. The atmosphere was lively and family friendly – When we visited there was a birthday party going on, a family with children and another family with dogs. This is clearly a popular restaurant due to the excellent food, beautiful location and the warm welcome.
The Menu
The menu is varied with a large selection of specials on offer. It was obvious from the meals going past us to fellow diners that these were large portions too. Just what we needed!
Many dishes use seasonal local produce. There is a great selection of meat dishes and seafood options on offer.
We shared a couple of starters, which turned out to be a great plan as they were HUGE! The Dynamite prawns, spicy sauce & fresh chilli were spectacular – The prawns were enormous and so tasty. We shared 2 portions between the 4 of us along with a garlic bread and it was plenty. This is homemade food at its best, so tasty and fresh with a definite kick.
Both Dermot and myself went for the stifado from the specials board for our main course. Delicious beef rump served in rich red wine sauce, with shallots, herbs and mushrooms. Mash for Derm and Chips for me – The chef doesn’t scrimp on the sauce so there plenty to mop up!
Violet went for a plain burger and chips (I may be a food blogger but teens will still be teens!) All credit to the staff who offered her so many alternative toppings and accompaniments to go with her meal though.
Tara is more adventurous and opted for the Cape Malay curry. Wow! What a meal – so fragrant and tasty – We loved that they gave her a wee little jar of chillies if she wanted to make it spicier and some natural yogurt if she needed it milder.
Children’s Meals
Tara was told as soon as we arrived that she could choose anything off the menu and they would make a smaller portion for her. Being 10, she is at that funny age when traditional children’s meals are too small so normally goes for the adult portion. Definitely go for the smaller portions for your kids though – Even the small plates are big! These would also be great if you wanted a light lunch.
What are the prices like at restaurants in Cockermouth?
We felt the prices were really reasonable. We didn’t have desserts but could honestly not have fitted another morsel in. Our Stifado were around £16 but so generous in their portions. The Cape Malay Curry was £12.95 for a full adult portion but they halved it for Tara.
The dynamite prawns were £9 but more than enough for 2 people to share as a starter. Violet’s Beef Burger (which came accompanied by chips) was £12.00.
More information on their prices and the full menu can be downloaded at the Wheatsheaf Inn website.
Why is it called De Brito Craigs Wheatsheaf Inn?
The short answer is I’m not sure. I do know that there is another Wheatsheaf Inn fairly nearby though so presume it is to distinguish between the two.
Does the Wheatsheaf Inn do accommodation?
Yes but we have not stayed there yet. We hope to soon though. If you are looking for accommodation in the area, you might enjoy my review of our stay in a Gingerbread House at The Quiet Site.
This is a great place to visit after a day at Whinlatter Forest doing Go Ape.A real friendly pub that serves wonderful homemade food that we look forward to returning to.
Such really different meals and I love the sound of each one, I definitely need to check out the menu! Those prawns look amazing, all the meals do. Though I love how much thought has gone into Tara’s meal especially, it sounds like they catered for families really well. Can’t say I visit that part often, though a trip here for some wonderful home cooked food sounds like the perfect excuse! 🙂 Sim x
Thank you so much for the lovely review ?
Oh you are very welcome – We had a lovely visit and hope to be back soon!