Sun Inn, Bassenthwaite

"you'll be lucky" responded the sour landlady when we tried reserve a table. we should have taken this small discourtesy as a taste of things to come. unfortunately we didn't.

when we came to eat: the steak (�16) was overcooked, the wine was like vinegar and the chocolate mousse remarkably similar to angel delight. as we ate our main course we were approached to ask when we'd be leaving as they wished accommodate more diners.

that evening I was up all night on the toilet. (thankfully, the gushing sounds of my frequent bowel movements did not awaken my fellow cottagers.) a coincidence perhaps but since this experience over a week ago I have been suffering from severe abdominal pain and have been urinating blood.

this pub is clearly doing everything it can to maximise its throughput of diners, presumably because they generate more revenue. this comes at the expense of the atmosphere, particularly for the drinkers as it's standing room only between the tables.

we met other patrons during our stay and our disappointment was not unique. we were in good company so had a good time anyway. if this isn't something you can rely on i'd highly recommend going elsewhere.

9 May 2010 21:25