WITH many of us wanting to meet up with family members after months away from each other, there is no better place to meet up for a bite to eat than at one of West Cumbria's well-loved restaurants.

Here at the Times & Star, we asked readers on both our Facebook and Twitter pages to give their recommendations for the best places to head to in the county as pubs and restaurants begin to open their doors and gardens.

In no particular order, here are the best places, mentioned by you, our readers.

1 BELLE VUE,

PAPCASTLE,

COCKERMOUTH

Reader Janet Wilson recommended Belle Vue, which has some top reviews and recommendations on Facebook.

One review states: "What a find this pub is! The food is excellent – tasty, fresh and top quality.

"Staff are so welcoming and friendly and the pub has a great atmosphere. We would highly recommend it, and will definitely return."

Another said: "Went for a meal [and it] was gorgeous. Had the steak pie, roast beef, sizzling chicken and huntsmen pie.

"Staff were friendly, and the atmosphere was great. Will definitely be back – 10/10."

2 THE VAGABOND, MARLBOROUGH STREET, WHITEHAVEN

Another recommendation, with good Tripadvisor reviews, is Whitehaven's The Vagabond.

One customer said: “Our first trip out for dinner since lockdown and it could not have been better.

“All the health and safety was in place and the staff as always were great.

“Perfectly cooked steak for me and fantastic pizza for my husband, washed down with great beer.

“Didn’t break the bank, thanks for a great night.”

Another said: “Me and my partner ordered two Sunday dinners today and they were beautiful.

“We both enjoyed.

“Thank you will definitely be going again.”

3 LAKESIDE RESTAURANT,

BRAYTON PARK,

WIGTON

Highly recommended on both Facebook and Tripadvisor, the Lakeside Restaurant at Brayton Park is a popular choice for many locals and visitors.

One review states: "We were staying locally and booked to eat here (outdoors due to Covid restrictions).

"The staff were amazing and the food was lovely. The service was fab. I had two of the scotch eggs for a main which were unbelievable, [and my] girlfriend had lasagne and loved it. The chips were the best we've had in ages. Highly recommended."

Another visitor wrote: "Our first visit to the Lakeside and will definitely not be our last. Our meet and greet waiter was lovely as were all the staff. A thoroughly enjoyable meal."

4 THE OLD GIN HOUSE, WORKINGTON

This popular inn was converted from a 17th century barn and built into a family-run, food-and-drink-serving pub.

Reader Amy Bostock said: “It was an obvious choice.”

Maureen Dobinson Kendall said: “I love it there, and particularly their gin room.”

Ray Cottier simply said: “Can’t beat their food.”

n Has your favourite been missed off the list? Let us know at letters.ts@cnmedia.co.uk