Review: Raithwaite Sandsend outdoor lunch worth the wait

And what better way to spend a sunny Friday lunchtime than outside on the terrace at Raithwaite Sandsend?

The hotel’s food scene is undergoing a revival.

Masterchef semi-finalist, pub owner and author Ollie Hunter has been drafted in to bring a wealth of culinary experience to the hotel’s ambitious plans which include introducing a variety of new kitchen gardens, patches and polytunnels, to grow their own organic fruit and vegetables.

And with head chef Ryan Osborne – formerly of The Star Inn The Harbour – at the helm of the kitchen, food lovers are hoping that eating out once again will have been worth the wait.

We couldn’t have picked a better day, a pleasant 15C, to eat outside at the new restaurant and Bar 1822.

You have a choice of two courses for £19 or three for £25 – and we felt it was only fair to go for the latter and try a bit of everything.

My wife Emma chose the crab arancini (Italian rice balls coated with breadcrumbs) to kick off with, while I had the blue cheese bruschetta which arrived with roasted nuts, on a drizzle of honey; with both dishes light and tasty.

The mains were also spot on – Emma’s steak decent with some tantalisingly chunky chips, while I chose the belly pork which was nice but needed a side serving of greens.

The black pudding bonbons were a particular highlight.

In my opinion, they saved the best for last with the desserts – a beautifully sharp rhubarb and custard panna cotta with crunchy honeycomb giving it real texture.

Emma’s dark chocolate delice was spot on with a gooey passion fruit sauce and creme fraiche ice cream.

We were well looked after by attentive staff in what was a laid-back friendly atmosphere.

And as a bonus, you can even enjoy a nice stroll through the picturesque grounds after you’ve finished your food.