Lakeside - Kirklees

One of our best recent dining experiences I can remember. One of us has a couple of serious allergies and it can be very difficult to find a restaurant that we can spontaneously choose to eat at but this was not the case at Lakeside. We made the decision to go in whilst walking around Ponderosa Zoo and were greeted at the waiting area by Matt, whom I made aware of the allergies. He immediately sprang into action asking what we were considering for lunch and not just telling us that we would be fine but double checking that this would be the case before seating us. Upon being seated, it became clear that Matt had again made certain we would be fine to eat lunch a (I assume manager appeared with an allergen sheet, checked out our selections and communicated with the kitchen who were also able to prepare some vegetable gravy that was given to my us in a gravy boat to ensure no cross contamination. The food was exquisite we had a carvery lunch as it was Sunday and between us had the pork, the turkey and the beef as well as potatoes dauphinois, mashed potato, cauliflower cheese, carrots, parsnips, peas, Yorkshire puddings (they aren’t kidding when they say these are giant! and the gravy (plus aforementioned vegetable gravy , all of which was delicious. The pork crackling was crisp and meat was cooked to perfection. We then had sticky toffee pudding with custard and sticky chocolate orange cake with ice cream and again, neither disappointed. In particular, the best sticky toffee puddings always contain dates or date syrup and it was clear this was the case with Lakeside’s. Matt was diligent enough to note that we hadn’t ordered drinks prior to ordering food (as we were not all at the table at the time and remembered to offer us drinks when he checked how things were. Matt is absolutely an example to follow for all wait/front of house staff but to be fair, every staff member we encountered including passing staff members always ensured we were being well looked after which speaks to the excellent service Lakeside provides. All in all, if you’re thinking about visiting Lakeside then based on our experience, do it. Idyllic setting, great food and conscientious service. You won’t be disappointed. We will be returning soon!

Went for the carvery on Mother's day Easter Sunday, absolutely delicious can't fault it. Staff helpful pleasant. Have been on numerous occasions will certainly be going again

Visited Ponderosa Zoo today with my granddaughter and family The weather could have been better but the standard April weather did not take away the wonderful experience we were able to participate in. There were lots of animal activities that engaged both young and old. Lots of picnic benches to stop rest and eat along with multiple child friendly play area and a circus skills area (at least on an Easter bank holiday) We chose to eat at the Lakeside Restaurant. We were not disappointed. There was enough food to choose from including a carvery which if you had a child under 2 are free alongside an adult carvery meal. The restaurant was licensed and had a small child play area. However what made this restaurant stand out was the very friendly and welcoming staff.

We hired the main room at Ponderosa for a family funeral wake. The team were very flexible regarding the booking as we were unsure about the number of guests we needed to cater for. They were very flexible with the menus and it was no trouble when more people arrived than we were expecting. The food was very good and the staff on the day were thoughtful and attentive to all our guests. Its a beautiful location and perfect for this type of event.

Unexpectedly excellent carvery, delicious meat and vegetables, with above and beyond service from Bianca. Strongly recommended.