The best places to eat and drink in the Lake District
The Best Restaurants, Pubs, and Cafes in the Lake District
The Lake District is a foodies delight, choose from pub classics to Michelin starred restaurants, coffee and cake to afternoon tea.
With cuisine from around the globe there really is something for even the fussiest of taste buds.
During busy times the restaurants in the Lake District do fill up quickly, we recommend you plan ahead and make dinner reservations to ensure you are not left hungry.
Below are some of our recommended eateries and pubs spanning the length and breadth of Cumbria. We believe that these are some of the best places to eat in the Lake District. The team at Cumbrian Cottage Holidays has personally sampled them so you can be assured of their quality.
Fine Dining and Michelin Starred Restaurants
There is an impressive array of fine dining and Michelin starred restaurants in the Lake District, with some of our favourites listed below.
1863 Restaurant, Pooley Bridge. This is a must if in the area for a fine dining experience, always popular so ensure you reserve ahead of arrival. 017684 86334
Allium at Askham Hall, Penrith. With 1 Michelin star this is the perfect venue for a special occasion, located in the Eden Valley. 01931 712350
Another Place, Ullswater. This is dining with a breathtaking view that equally matches the quality of the food, enjoy coffee in the garden or conservatory whilst admiring the beauty of the lake. 017684 86442
Borrowdale Gates Hotel, Grange in Borrowdale. Another restaurant where the views enhance the spectacular traditional British and classic French dishes. 017687 77204
Casa Bella, Keswick. This Italian restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, make sure you leave room for desert, their home made gelato is heavenly. 017687 75575
Castle Green, Kendal. Watch the chefs prepare your food and gaze out to Kendal Castle as you enjoy the delights placed in front of you. 01539 734000
Cedar Tree at Farlam Hall, Brampton. With 1 Michelin star this Indian influenced cuisine is not to be missed, we love the tasting menu but you can choose the a la carte option. 016977 46234
Clare House, Grange over Sands. Relaxed pub grub at lunch time or fine dining in the evening, combined with one of the best afternoon teas in the area, definitely worth booking a table. 015395 33026
Dog and Gun Inn, Skelton. An inviting traditional pub, but with exceptional food which the 1 Michelin star confirms, book ahead as it does get busy. 017684 84301
eS Bar, Keswick. Spanish and Mexican tapas are on the menu along with craft beer and tequila, the ideal venue for a leisurely evening out. 017687 75222
Fantails, Wetheral. A warm and friendly welcome always awaits guests along with good food in a relaxed environment. 01228 560239
Grange Hotel, Grange over Sands. English cuisine that incorporates tastes from around the globe, Sunday lunch is one of the best around. 015395 33666
Heft, Newton in Cartmel. A well deserved Michelin star, bringing local produce to the fine dining experience created by 2 born and bred Cumbrians.
Hundith Hill Hotel, Cockermouth. With views down the Lorton Valley, guests can choose from traditional bar meals to fine dining in the restaurant, the cream teas are also delicious. 01900 822092
Lake Road Kitchen, Ambleside. Another Michelin star winner, offering an evening only sample menu, fine dining at its best. 015394 22012
Langdale Chase, Windermere. Fine dining with a view over Lake Windermere, check out their Sunday lunch. 01539 432201
L’Enclume, Cartmel. The first Cumbrian restaurant to receive a Michelin star and the only Cumbrian restaurant with 3 stars, you have to plan ahead with this one it gets booked up quickly, and rightly so. 015395 36362
Lindeth Fell Country House, Windermere. This is your classic dishes served posh, locally sourced produce are always on the menu, leave room for dessert, they are delicious. 015394 43286
Low Wood Bay, Windermere. With 2 restaurants there is something on the menu for all taste buds from British classics to International cuisine. 0333 2203 105
Pentonbridge Inn, near Carlisle. Another Michelin star restaurant serving a taster menu, using only the freshest ingredients, most of the produce is grown locally. 01228 586636
Rogan & Co, Cartmel. Nestled by the river with a Michelin star serving British fare all locally sourced or grown on their farm. 015395 35917
Rothay Manor, Grasmere. Traditional British dishes served lunch and evening, or afternoon tea, you must try the scones. 015394 35334
Source at Gilpin Hotel, Windermere. Another Michelin star restaurant serving locally sourced, mouth watering menus that change as regularly as the seasons. 015394 88618
Storrs Hall Hotel, Bowness on Windermere. With views to Lake Windermere guests can choose from fine dining to more relaxed Bistro meals, all produce is sourced within 15 miles of Windermere. 015394 47111
The Apple Restaurant, Windermere. This is adult only dining but creates a calm atmosphere to enjoy the locally sourced mouthwatering meals. 015394 43206
The Cottage in the Wood, Whinlatter. With a Michelin star nestled in the Whinlatter forest, this is fine dining using the best of British produce. 017687 78409
The Forest Side, Grasmere. Local produce, fine dining and a Michelin star make combine to make this an unforgettable dining experience. 015394 35250
The Lamplighter, Windermere. Sunday lunch is not to be missed, but if you can’t make a Sunday, enjoy British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. 015394 43547
The Lyzzick Hall, Underskiddaw. Traditional and contemporary British meals with an International twist. Plan ahead for Sunday lunch, it is popular with locals and tourists. 017687 72277
The Old Stamp House, Ambleside. Using local produce from the Cumbrian fells and valleys to the freshest of sea food from the Irish sea, this Michelin star restaurant is a must. 015394 32775
The Samling, Windermere. This is Michelin star dining with a breathtaking view over the lake, matched only by the dining experience. 015394 31922
The Schelly, Ambleside. Describes itself as fine dining without the faff, and it certainly is, delicious food designed to be shared and chosen from a varied menu, not quite Michelin star but has their Bib Gourmand award. 015394 32775
Pub Grub & Local Ales
Looking for the best pubs in the Lake District? We have you covered. It’s safe to say that we’ve sampled a fair few of the establishments below (see what we think to some of our favourites) and that they come highly recommended.
Andalusian, Carlisle, (great food, lively atmosphere on a weekend) 07596 233556
Blacksmiths Arms, Talkin, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01697 742111
Brackenrigg Inn, Watermillock, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017684 86442
Crown Inn, Coniston, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 015394 441243
Coledale Inn, Braithwaite, (great food and beer garden for kids to play safely) 017687 78272
Emily’s Black Lion Pub, Ireby, (friendly pub) 016973 71110
Garrison Bistro, Bowness on Solway, (great food, friendly pub) 016973 52849
Masons Arms, Cartmel Fell, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01539 568486
Pack Horse Inn, Keswick, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 71148
Pooley Bridge Inn, Pooley Bridge, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017684 86215
Queens Head, Hawkshead, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01539 436271
Queens Head, Troutbeck, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01539 432404
Shed One, Ulverston, (gin tour and tasting highly recommended) 07794 699913
The Crown Inn, Pooley Bridge, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01768 425869
The Duke of Cumberland, Castle Carrock, (great food, friendly atmosphere) 01228 670341
The Farmers Arms, Portinscale, (relaxed atmosphere, great beer garden) 017687 75066
The Fox Tap, Keswick (great choice of beers) 017687 80700
The George, Keswick, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 72076
The Glenrothay, Amblside (great food, open Christmas Day) 015394 34500
The Horse and Farrier, Threlkeld, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 79688
The Lakes Distillery, Cockermouth, (the tasting tour highly recommended) 017687 88850
The Oddfellow Arms, Caldbeck, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 016974 78227
The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 76234
The Pheasant Inn, Keswick, (great food, relaxed atmosphere, beer garden) 017687 72219
The Royal Oak, Braithwaite, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01768 392355
The Ruddings, Braithwaite, (great food, relaxed atmosphere, beer garden) 01768 778436
The Secret Garden, Pooley Bridge, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017684 86266
The Sun Inn, Bassenthwaite, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 76439
The Swinside Inn, Braithwaite, (great food, relaxed atmosphere, beer garden) 017687 78144
The Wainwright, Keswick, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 017687 44927
The Wild Boar Inn, Windermere, (great food, relaxed atmosphere, try their own ales) 015394 45225
The Wheatsheaf, Wetheral, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01228 560686
Tweedies Bar, Grasmere, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 015394 35300
Ullswater Inn, Glenridding, (great food, relaxed atmosphere) 01768 612085
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Afternoon Tea
Going for afternoon tea is a popular choice for visitors in the Lake District and we can see why. Looking for sandwiches, scones, cakes, and of course tea? Then check out our recommendations for the best afternoon tea in the Lake District below.
Another Place, Ullswater, 017684 86442
Armathwaite Hall Hotel, Bassenthwaite, 017687 76551
Baha, Bowness on Windermere, 01539 277515
Granny Dowbekins, Pooley Bridge, 017684 86453
Kirklinton Hall & Gardens, Kirklinton, 07715 358961
Langdale Chase, Windermere, 015394 32201
Leeming House, Watermillock, 01768 486674
Maes Tea Room, Uldale, 01697 371369
North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Penrith, 01768 868111
Rothay Manor Hotel, Ambleside, 015394 33605
Sawrey House, Ambleside, 015394 36387
The Chalet, Portinscale, 017687 72757
The Halston, Carlisle, 01228 210240
Cafes
There are numerous cafes throughout Cumbria set in some stunning locations. We have detailed some of our favourite places to visit below. We truly believe are some of the best cafes that the Lake District has to offer. From flat whites to sausage rolls, we have you covered.
Aira Force Tea Room, Ullswater, 017684 82067
Dalemain Mansion, Pooley Bridge, 017684 86450
Holker Hall, Levens, 01595 58328
Lake District Wildlife Park, Bassenthwaite, 01768 776239
Levens Hall, Levens, 01539 560321
Lowther Castle, Lowther, 01931 712192
Muncaster Castle, Muncaster, 01229 717614
Rheged Discovery Centre, Penrith, 01768 868000
The Boat House, Talkin Tarn, 01228 817200
The Cafe at Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere, 01539 637940
Promote your local restaurant here
If you have a restaurant, pub or cafe in Cumbria and the Lake District please contact us on 01228 597136 or email us on info@cumbriancottageholidays.co.uk to discuss our marketing opportunity.
