ONE of life's little pleasures is a meal out with friends and family.

As part of its campaign to assist the hospitality industry the Government is encouraging people to 'eat out to help out' during certain days in August, along with discounts of up to 50 per cent on food.

And local businesses have responded by pulling out all the stops to make their premises safe to help bring a little bit of normality back into people's lives.

We thought we'd ask people to nominate their favourite restaurants in the Whitehaven area.

Here then, in no particular order, is some of the favourite places for a meal.

1 THE YELLOW EARL, LOWTHER STREET, WHITEHAVEN

Reader Hayley Dixon recommends the Yellow Earl which has rave reviews on Tripadvisor.

One review said: "Had a Sunday dinner today. Lots of Roast Chicken, veg roast and mashed and roast potatoes, a large Yorkshire pudding and stuffing.

"All topped with gravy.

"This was a delicious meal well cooked and a nice large portion, five stars.

Another said: "Really like this place, been a few times with my partner! Nice and relaxed atmosphere earlier on in the day and ramps up on an evening.

"If you are after a nice cocktail and a good buzz, this is the best place in Whitehaven."

2 CLEAVERS, LOWTHER STREET, WHITEHAVEN

Natalie Claire Wilkinson said: “Definitely Cleavers in Whitehaven, a little hidden gem, amazing home cooked food both hearty and refined.

“A warm atmosphere and attentive staff, nothing is too much.”

3 NUMBER 11 RESTAURANT, MARKET PLACE, WHITEHAVEN

The restaurant has been praised by Gary Preston.

He said: “Number 11 Restaurant, Whitehaven - burgers to die for.”

4 THE GLOBE, MAIN STREET, WHITEHAVEN

The pub has a number of rave reviews on Tripadvisor.

One customer said: "Excellent food as always, never had a bad meal to date, friendly staff, good crack, and overall the best place for Sunday dinner ever."

Another said: "Never had a bad meal at this place, always spot on, friendly, helpful staff, food is excellent.

"I had a roast beef and turkey dinner, you don't need a knife to cut the meat, its that tender and melts in your mouth, hubby had the steak pie, big tender chunks, delicious."

5 THE VAGABOND, MARLBOROUGH STREET, WHITEHAVEN

Another with good Tripadvisor reviews.

One customer said: "Our first trip out for dinner since lockdown and it could not have been better.

"All the health and safety was in place and the staff as always were great. Perfectly cooked steak for me and fantastic pizza for my husband, washed down with great beer.

"Didn't break the bank, thanks for a great night."

Another said: "Me and my partner ordered 2 Sunday dinners today and they were beautiful.

"We both enjoyed. Thank you will definitely be going again."