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 west Cumbria area.

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

1 THE GREENHILL HOTEL, RED DIAL, WIGTON

Jennifer Armstrong said: “The Greenhill Hotel, excellent food, friendly staff.

“The menu has a great range of choices for everyone.

2 URBAN GRILL, FALCON PLACE, WORKINGTON

The restaurant is a firm favourite with scores of residents singing its praises.

Andrew Henderson said: “Without question.”

Stuart Hogg posted: “By far the tastiest and freshest around.”

Ryan Paton said: “Wins hands down.”

Tanya Bromby said: “Definitely the best.”

3 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, 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.”

4 THE TRAVELLERS REST, HIGH STREET, WORKINGTON

The pub has been wowing residents with their menu for some time. One customer said: “Ate here one night and the food was lovely.

“I had chicken curry and my husband had the chicken burger.”

5 CAPTAIN NELSON TAVERN, IRISH STREET, MARYPORT

The establishment has gleaming reviews on Tripadvisor.

One customer said: “The cajun chicken burger was excellent, the steak pie looked really good as well.”

Another customer said: “The food is absolutely amazing, friendly staff, a warm welcome and nothing too much trouble.

“The veggie menu is outstanding - well done all Captain Nelson team, can’t wait to come for supper when you're back open.”

6 THE GLOBE, MAIN STREET, WHITEHAVEN

The pub has rave reviews on Tripadvisor.

One customer said: “Excellent food, never had a bad meal to date, friendly staff, good crack - the best place for Sunday dinner ever.”

Another said: “Always spot on with friendly, helpful staff.”