The Quince and Medlar Restaurant is a pioneer in vegetarian cuisine. Set in the small but highly touristic town of Cockermouth between Jennings Brewery and Cockermouth Castle, The Quince & Medlar can be found in a listed Georgian property with many original features on Castlegate Drive. The Quince & Medlar is pioneering in not only its inventive and original approach to vegetarian food but also in the fact that (as far as I know) its the only establishment in Cockermouth to focus purely on vegetarian cuisine. Since opening in 1990 is has been very successful and is quite simply way before its time. It offers incredibly creative, seasonal food, organic wines, organic bottled beers (Border Gold, Pinkus Pils, Sam Smiths) & interesting specialist fruit drinks (Belvoir cordials and fruit nectars). Real ale and Fairtrade coffee is also available. The menu is variable and its best to check whats on offer if you don't like surprises by ringing before your visit especially if you have food allergies which they will happily cater for if given information in advance of your visit. The dining area is cosy and inviting with wood panelling and candelit tables and equisite furniture and furnishings. All these things make it a special night out although there are no airs and graces if you don't want there to be. This places caters for all. Colin and Louisa Le Voi run the restaurant as a family business and both trained with the late Francis Coulson and Brian Sack at Sharrow Bay Hotel, Ullswater. Colin is the chef and Louisa is front of house.
Recieving many reviews and awards here are just a few:
“Vegertarian Heaven” – Food Illustrated Magazine
”Even carnivores say a visit here is a real treat” – The Observer
Twice winner of the national “Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year” and four times runner up
Twice Winner of the Loo of the Year Award.
I would highly recommend this wonderful place of which I have very fond memories of visiting myself.