Cumbria is a county known for its fine produce and when this is combined with a little continental inspiration, you know you're onto a winner. Take Frederick's, for example. Here, you'll find creative fusions of local and international flavours, such as goats cheese with Cumberland sauce and an excellent Vietnamese sticky pork curry. Over at Merienda, meanwhile, you can start your day with a simply superb breakfast of scrambled local duck eggs served with smoked salmon, smashed avocado and spinach on a bed of cob bread.

Sometimes nothing beats a good Italian meal and when the mood takes you you should take yourself off to one of the fine Italian restaurants in Cockermouth. Tarantella is a local favourite and turns out all your Italian favourites with skill and flair. You'll find an excellent selection of pizzas and pastas, along with some delicious starters, such as carpaccio di manzo (fillet of beef carpaccio with rocket and parmesan shavings in a Caesar dressing). If you can, remember to leave a little room for one of their very tempting desserts.