IT has been an interesting year for eating out in our area. From fine dining to classic pub grub; from caffs to international cuisine, there is something for everyone - and every budget - as our weekly food reviews show. Here we take a look at some of our reviewers' most memorable culinary experiences of 2016

FINE DINING

Miller Howe, Windermere: A meal fit for a queen kicked things off in January, with a visit to this world famous hotel and restaurant. The Queen herself had eaten here on her visit in 2013, so Louise Allonby felt duty bound to sample the same wine Her Maj had enjoyed with her meal. "Rich, fruity and with top notes of vanilla, butterscotch Instant Whip, raspberry Soupermousse and Marsh's Sass." Food included a liquid velvet onion soup, luscious lamb, dreamily soft dauphinoise potatoes and a perfectly regal passion fruit parfait.

Bay Horse Inn, Ulverston: A firm favourite did not disappoint, with elegant presentation, top notch wines and a seriously delicious poached smoked haddock - along with the Bay Horse's trademark pud of a swan meringue. All served by the friendliest of staff and in the most charming surroundings, with great views of Morecambe Bay thrown in at no extra cost.

The Ilex Brasserie, Holker Hall: This new venture, which opened in spring, had the wow factor on every level. With stylish and restful decor in the beautiful setting of the Holker Hall courtyard, the Ilex really impressed. Crab with devilled mayonnaise, Cumbrian lamb shoulder and a wicked, dark chocolate pot pudding all earned top marks. It was so good, we went back the same week for an equally impressive Sunday roast.

Virginia House, Ulverston: Georgian elegance in a town house - with a gin bar attached. Louise Allonby and her better half enjoyed Ravenglass crab, an East meets Westmorland bhaji, fresh sea brill and a divine rabbit stew, with a side order of a matrimonial row about how anyone can eat rabbits (no matter how tasty) when they have two pet bunnies at home. A spectacular iced mango parfait got the marriage back on track.

The Fulling Mill, Ambleside: "Simply divine" scallop and prawn ravioli proved impressive for Jonathan Robinson when he ate at this stylish Lakeland bistro with his family. He also discovered the delights of duck as a starter in this surprising "Tardis" of a venue.

PUBS

Pig and Whistle, Cartmel: Editor James Higgins and family paid a visit to the Pig and Whistle for a hearty autumnal meal. Succulent bangers got the bonfire night visit off to the right start, followed by an excellent steak and ale pie. A "veritable slab" of sticky toffee pudding was polished off by the younger Higginses in under 60 seconds. Simon Rogan may have left the Pig and Whistle, but it still packs more than a punch.

The Rose and Crown, Ulverston: Flagged floors, nooks and crannies, open fires and low ceilings: the Rose and Crown is traditional with a capital T, we decided. Add to that some perfect prawns (accompanied by a finger bowl so large it was mistaken for a chamber pot by Louise Allonby's husband), magnificent monkfish and a spicy stir fry, and we were in pub heaven.

Churchills, Ambleside: Not quite a V for Victory when James Higgins found himself embroiled in Bapgate, courtesy of two burned buns at Churchills. The junior Higginses' food proved more successful - and was good enough to divert their attention away from their digital devices. Friendly staff also earned a big tick.

REVAMPS

The Strawberry, Barrow: The spruced-up Berry was a hit in September, following its reported £100,000 refurbishment. We loved the friendly service, the quirky touches and the stonking good value of the food. The new loos are very swish, too.

The Sun Inn, Ulverston: This traditional coaching inn in the heart of Ulverston has risen again and is well and truly shining. The food in the newly-stylish dining area was a success all round with the group who visited. Reasonable prices and well-presented food went down a storm. We loved the Sun's homemade scotch eggs, the trio of sausages and a "traditional and terrific" plateful of fish and chips.

The Swan, Newby Bridge: A victim of last December's Storm Desmond, The Swan at Newby Bridge reopened in June, with bold decor and a real "of the moment feel". Riverside dining is a must in good weather here, and we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon with a lunch of classic scampi and a robust burger. The curse of the wooden serving board has struck - "but they would serve as rafts if the river should burst its banks again".

The Owl and the Pussycat, Barrow: A family-friendly and spotlessly clean pub impressed us. Christmas jumpers on the staff in October didn't. The food was plentiful, very good quality and great value - even if the pizza pie chocolate cookie pudding "had so many e-numbers it should have come with a Ritalin chaser".

CAFES

All Greek to Me, Millom: A new venture for the town - and one providing seriously good Greek food at prices so cheap we thought we had read the bill wrong. Fabulous Greek salads, a spinach pie to die for and a Turkish-Greek baklava which should be honoured by the United Nations. A true asset to the area.

Ulverston Market Cafe: Vintage bunting, steaming mugs of builder's tea, chips, beans and homemade quiche. All served up in a small but perfectly formed caff in a corner of the indoor market. It's as homely and comforting as a mug of builder's tea and a plate of chips and beans. Friendly with a capital F.

Cafe Ambio, Backbarrow: Superb cuisine and a motor museum attached. Cars and food together - what man could want more? We loved the carrot and orange soup, the fresh breads and the restaurant quality lamb shoulder.

Last Resort, Barrow: Pie and peas perfection. Great people. And Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has eaten there. Enough said.

ITALIAN

Bici Cafe, Ulverston: Reporters Gabrielle Rowley and Holly Harrison got their cycling gear on and headed to Bici (that's Italian for bicycle) in Ulverston. "Fiend for Italian food" Gabrielle loved her burrata cheese and a pizza with ham and rocket, while Holly raved about the San Daniele ham. Wood-fired ovens and a great ambience added to a lovely experience.

Capuleti e Montecchi, Barrow: Self-confessed "hopeless romantic and Shakespeare fan" Gabrielle Rowley found her perfect place when this Italian restaurant opened in Barrow town centre. Named after the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, there was nothing tragic about the food. "Gorgeous garlic breads, high quality pastas and salads" had Gabrielle and her family in raptures.

Salvana's, Barrow: We enjoyed a terrific evening at this perennial favourite of Furness. Superb service, kebabed scallops, a classic lasagne and a stunningly good king prawn and chorizo dish went down a treat. A buzzy atmosphere even on a winter evening proved that Salvo's is "well and truly firing on all cylinders".

INDIAN

A Taste of India, Askam: History was made on a summer Super Sunday evening during the Rio Olympics. James Higgins discovered Askam's very own Curry Mile (OK, "Curry 10-Metres") and his wife broke the habit of a lifetime by ordering chicken tikka bhuna instead of a saag. Mr H loved his own chicken tikka - and bestowed the greatest compliment on the place: "I reckon I'd bring the whole Higgins family here", he declared.

Naaz, Ulverston: Louise Allonby ditched her Dry January in order to glug wine and eat curry with a friend at the Naaz. She laid off the curry songs ("Love Me Tandoor", "Tikka chance on Me" etc etc) long enough to enjoy a superlative chicken jalfrezi while her friend enjoyed a rustic and robust Rajastani lamb stew, proving that when it comes to curries, the Naaz is second to naan.

CHINESE

The Diamond, Barrow: "You'll leave wun tun more" was the headline on our winter review of this rightfully ever-popular restaurant. The Diamond has it all: sinus-clearing hot and sour soup, stunningly good sizzling seafood, cracking curries, and great staff. It's an absolute classic. A gem with which to round off our food review of the year.