Who are you? 
I’m Alistair. I’m an artist and chef based in Ulverston, Cumbria. Each month I create a new seasonal menu featuring the best local produce and share it with guests in my dining room.

Isn’t every menu “seasonal” and “local” these days?
Maybe… but I really mean it! If it can’t be sourced from Cumbria and our neighbouring counties right now, it won’t be featured on this month’s menu.

Where do you source your produce?
Fruit and vegetables are sourced from growers following organic principles in Cumbria and the north of England. Dairy is organic from the Morphet family’s farm just outside of Ulverston. Eggs are from a family farm in Birkrigg. Seafood is all sustainably caught in Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea, sourced from Lake District Lobster and Seafood. Beef is from Julie and Steve Hodgson’s fold of 100% grass fed rare breed highland cows in Lowick. Pork and lamb is raised by John and Maria at Nibthwaite Grange Farm. Rye, spelt and wheat flours are milled by Little Salkeld Watermill in the Eden Valley from biodynamic English grains.

Where do I find you?
8 Union Street, Ulverston, LA12 7HR. It’s a short walk from Ulverston train station and a 30 minute drive from the M6 (junction 36).

Is this your house or a restaurant?
It’s a bit of both: 8 Union Street is my home, and Dinner at 8 is a monthly supper club that takes place in my dining room. I’m not open all the time like a restaurant but, as a food business (registered with Westmorland and Furness council), I follow the same food safety practices and receive the same food hygiene inspections as any other food business.

Do I need to be a member?
No, you just need to book a ticket. If you’d like to know when each dinner becomes available for booking, you can sign up for a monthly alert email here.

What time do I arrive?
You are welcome to arrive from 7:30pm, dinner is served promptly at 8pm.

Where do I park?
Free parking is available 6pm-8am, either on Union Street itself or in the Brewery Street Car Park.

Are you wheelchair accessible?
I will support your access needs wherever possible but, frustratingly, I am limited by the house’s Victorian architecture: a ramp can be provided for the single step entrance but note that, once inside, narrow hallways mean limited turning space and there is no ground floor bathroom. Please reach out to alistair[at]dinnerat8.co.uk if you would like to visit before booking and assess whether the space can meet your needs.

Can I avoid paying a booking fee?
Yes, if you’d like to avoid paying Eventbrite’s booking fees, contact alistair[@]dinnerat8.co.uk to organise paying for dinner directly by BACS.

Are there any other extra costs on the night?
No. Once you’ve bought your ticket, that’s it. No hidden fees, service charges, “optional” menu items or upselling here.

Do you serve drinks?
Dinner starts with a glass of home-brewed, seasonal kombucha and ends with fresh herbal tea. As there is no alcohol license for the premises, you are welcome to bring your own alcoholic (and soft) drinks to enjoy with your meal. Still and sparkling water will be on the table all evening.

Do I get my own table?
All eight diners eat at the same table (so if you are a group of eight, yes)!

Do you take bookings for more than eight people?
For now, eight is capacity, though I’m hoping to be able to accommodate more in the future. 

Do you have vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free options?
Each set menu is fixed (i.e. without substitutions available). Some months the menu will be fully plant-based, others omnivorous, some gluten free and so on. Check the menu suits your dietary requirements before booking and email alistair[@]dinnerat8.co.uk if you have additional questions.

I have an allergy, can I eat with you?
Each set menu is fixed (i.e. without substitutions available). Check the menu suits your allergy before booking and email alistair[at]dinnerat8.co.uk if you have additional questions. Due to the small size of the kitchen, it might not be possible to guarantee zero cross-contamination with certain ingredients if they are widely used (e.g. gluten).

Can I bring my dog?
Sadly, the dining room is too small to accommodate pets.

Can I bring my children?
Yes, as long as they are happy with the menu!

Do you do private events?
Yes, I can cater to private events, send an email to alistair[at]dinnerat8.co.uk to start the conversation.

What should I do if I need to cancel my reservation?
A full refund is available through Eventbrite up to 14 days before a dinner. If you need to cancel closer to the event, I will do my best to fill your seat(s) and offer a refund. Equally, if you find a friend who’d like to take your place, your ticket is fully transferrable. Unfortunately, as each dinner is so small, any places that aren’t filled in time can’t be refunded.

You still haven’t answered my question…
Drop me a line on alistair[at]dinnerat8.co.uk