Last Thursday, was a special birthday for J . After most of May had been cold and wet, we woke up to a warm sunny morning and a blue sky. Someone was smiling on her!
We’d planned to go out for the day with a special family dinner time (midday up here!) meal booked in Rogan’s bistro in Cartmel. So after J had opened her presents everyone got ready and we set off up the M6.
It was a beautiful day in Cartmel and as we had 30 minutes or so before our booking, we had a short stroll around the village. There were quite a few people around enjoying the sunshine and it seemed that some had arrived a couple of days early before the traditional Whit race meeting which started on Saturday. Spectators were allowed this year.
Then on to the bistro
Rogan and Co. is branded as the “relaxed neighbourhood restaurant in the magical village of Cartmel“and is part of the culinary empire of Simon Rogan which includes L’Enclume, which is just round the corner, and which featured in second episode of series one of The Trip which starred Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. L’Enclume would have been pushing the budget a bit, but Rogan and Co., with it’s Michelin Star, was still a special birthday experience.
All the courses were nicely presented and were very tasty. These were my choices
After I settled the bill, feeling full, but not over stuffed (the sign of a well balanced meal) we went for another wander around the viallge, across the racecourse and through the woods, making the most of the start of summer – especially as we’d been rather starved of sunshine during May this year.
Down by the Dougie 
Sounds like a day to be envied. Congratulations to J. on whatever made this birthday special.
Couldn’t have been better 😀
A gorgeous place. The first time I went I miss-timed it, and ended up going on the race weekend, knowing nothing about it, and just thinking to do a walk from there. Quiet it was not.
Make sure you don’t go this week! 😉
Happy birthday to J! Cartmel is very pretty – I remember it from a couple of holidays in Grange over Sands when I was young. I think it was one of the places our unreliable Ford Anglia broke down.
I’m salivating at all the food shots. I love Cartmel. I’m lucky enough to live three miles away, but I never tire of it.
Thanks George. I’m quite envious of where you live. In a quieter part of the National Park, close to the fells yet not so far from larger towns with their resources.
Top birthday treat! Summer seems to have arrived at last
Indeed. Sun still shining 🌞 Hope you’re managing to enjoy it.
Years ago when my sister started taking pictures of her meals on her phone, I used to think it was odd, but now I do it myself all the time and also enjoy seeing what other people are eating. It’s funny how things change isn’t it?
I like seeing the surroundings as well!
It does seem wierd but I post the piccies largely as a reminder for myself- although you can get some vicarious pleasure from other people’s foodie experiences 😉
True true true
A belated Happy Birthday to J! The village looks very lovely and your meal…amazing! and adventurous. So glad you were able to make it out and about. Must put Cartmel on the ever growing list.
Thanks
Cartmel is lovely.
That looks a lovely birthday treat for J. Your food choices look mouth watering too. 🙂
It was. They were. 😉
I’ve never been to Cartmel, but it’s on my ‘list’. The food looks great but, apart from the plate for your skate and the lovely coffee cup, I don’t go much for the crockery at that place. I’m boringly conventional and old fashioned, I’m afraid. Hope you don’t mind my saying.
Ah, each to their own Barbara 😉