Some people may only know Rheged (The visitor centre at the gateway to Lakeland near Penrith) as the last petrol station before the long journey south on the motorway, but to others the filling station boasts a fine display of delicious homemade food and importantly their own “hot handmade pies” which are “made on site each day using Beef and Lamb from our family farm”. If Urien Rheged were still alive today I’m sure these pies would be featuring on his banqueting table every day.
I was there at Rheged last week and tempted by a couple of the Lamb and Mint pies. The pastry was a nice light golden brown colour with a subtle sprinkling of herbs. As soon as I bit into the pastry the flavour of the Mint came through and lingered nicely with every mouthful. Just enough to add the contrast but not enough to overpower the Lamb. The Lamb itself was very tender and without an ounce of fat. It almost melted in the mouth. Also, a welcome surprise was that there were traces of root vegetables hidden in there as well, a small portion of potato and carrot in the one I ate, which complimented this ‘Lamb Sunday Lunch’ perfectly.
It was delicious, but had potential to get even more of the filling in the pastry casing for its premium price of £3, so I can only award a solid 8.1
If your are passing by you can visit the Rheged Centre at Redhills near Penrith, (post code CA11 0DQ) and try one yourself, you won’t be disappointed.
MH.
