Cumbria & the Lakes
'The Anvil' is run by the wildly imaginative chef Simon Rogan (often dubbed Cumbria's answer to Heston Blumenthal), and is without doubt Cumbria's best…
Must-see restaurants in Cumbria & the Lakes
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The Lake District
Long one of the Lakes' premier dining destinations, the Drunken Duck blends historic pub and fine-dining restaurant. On a wooded crossroads on the top of…
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The Lake District
If you don't mind a drive, this renowned gastropub in the village of Crosthwaite has long been known for its top-notch food. Whitewashed outside,…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
Regal setting, royally good dining. Chef Richard Swale's passion for Cumbrian produce was learned from a childhood spent shooting, fishing and foraging …
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Keswick
This on-trend cafe specialises in 'fell pots' – a Lakeland-style Buddha bowl, incorporating an all-in-one meal such as sweet potato and curry, smoked…
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The Lake District
In the cellar of the building where Wordsworth worked as a distributor of stamps, this fine-dining bistro champions Cumbrian produce, much of it raised,…
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The Lake District
This much-lauded bistro has brought some dazzle to Ambleside's dining scene. Its Noma-trained head chef, James Cross, explores the 'food of the north',…
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The Lake District
Three miles east of Crosthwaite, near Bowlands Bridge, the marvellous Mason's Arms is a local secret. The rafters, flagstones and cast-iron range haven't…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
An affordable way to experience the culinary flair of Simon Rogan, this village bistro focuses on classic British dishes such as pork belly, butter…
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The Lake District
A finer country pub you could not hope to find. Hidden away near the little lake of Loweswater, a mile or so north of Buttermere, the Kirkstile is a joy:…
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The Lake District
Husband-and-wife team Andy and Crissy Hill have turned this village bistro into a much-loved dining landmark. It's a really fun and friendly place to eat…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
Proper fine dining with a reasonable price tag is the modus operandi at this bistro, which blends sleek decor with rustic wood, banquette seats and mix…
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The Lake District
Now run by prodigiously talented chef Leon Whitehead, this smart bistro takes its cue from the seasons and the pick of Cumbrian produce. Classic flavours…
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The Lake District
This Cockermouth fave is open daily and has a second branch in Keswick. The interior is light and airy and the Med-tinged food is packed with flavour…
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The Lake District
Troutbeck's oldest pub, dating from 1689, with a gabled facade, traditional rooms (£100 to £150) and a cracking fell-view beer garden. Food-wise, expect…
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The Lake District
Based in Wilmslow, this much-garlanded pie maker has opened an Ambleside outlet, and it's rightly become a town favourite. Go for a classic such as…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
This lovely old-fashioned tearoom in Ulverston has been serving the town since 1892 and though the building feels antique, the delicious veggie-organic…
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Keswick
What a setting this splendid cafe has: in a delightful walled garden on the Lingholme Estate, with a 30m glass wall that presents cinematic views of…
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The Lake District
A sister pub to the marvellous Mason's Arms near Windermere, this classic pub near the Lyth Valley has a great reputation for its grub. Dishes are pubby…
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The Lake District
Fear not, veggies: even in the land of the Cumberland sausage and the tattie hotpot (lamb, vegetable and potato stew), you won't go hungry thanks to…
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The Lake District
This whitewashed inn has been a feature in Cockermouth since the late 17th century, and has heritage in spades (it was a favourite of Bing Crosby, who…
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The Lake District
Now run by the National Trust, this converted barn is a walkers' favourite: it's packed with people nursing pints and aching fell-sore legs at the end of…
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Keswick
A short drive along Bassenthwaite Lake is this fine-dining pub. Hunting prints and pewter tankards cover the old bar, stocked with vintage whiskies and…
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The Lake District
A classy new addition to Pooley Bridge's dining scene, overseen by head chef Phil Corrie, who has a fondness for the classics but is abreast of modern…
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The Lake District
Kendal is well stocked with cafes, but this gem is well worth seeking out. It's down a blink-and-you'll-miss-it alleyway, with a little courtyard and an…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
The Simon Rogan effect has rippled out across Cartmel and you'll be treated to posh pub grub at this old village inn. Exposed beams, worn wood and a…
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The Lake District
This old Eskdale inn has a split personality: half contemporary cafe, half trad pub. Each has its own menu: salads, cakes and sandwiches in the cafe;…
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The Lake District
The hipster cafe comes to Kendal at this new number on Highgate. With its scruffy wood furniture and black-aproned baristas, it's got the aesthetic down,…
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The Lake District
Owned by Robinson Brewery, this whitewashed inn (single/double £60/90) is a popular lunch stop for passengers on La'al Ratty – the station at Dalegarth…
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The Lake District
Seafood might not be something you immediately think of when deciding what to eat in Windermere, but Paul White's first-class fish restaurant is well…
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Keswick
Dog fans rejoice: this popular Keswick cafe is nuts about canines. Dishes here are named after dogs of legend (The Muttley, The Old Yeller, The…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
If you don't mind a drive, this pretty pub in the village of Clifton makes a good lunch or dinner stop. It's situated on the Lowther Estate and sources…
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The Lake District
The definition of a neighbourhood bistro: it's a locals' favourite and if you come more than once you'll probably be greeted by name. It's a tiny space…
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The Lake District
This smart gastropub sits atop a grassy knoll near the Bowness shoreline and offers superior pub grub: think focaccia pizzas, sea bass with pak choi and…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
Low and slow; pig, chicken and cow. That pretty much sums up this cellar smokehouse, where everything is spiced, full-on-flavoured and unashamedly meaty…
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The Lake District
Known as much for the quirkiness of its dish names as for the quality of its food, this long-standing boho bistro remains a popular choice. The decor's…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
This place scores points for the name alone (at least for Bowie fans), although the Duke himself would have been most unlikely to tuck into the burgers,…
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Keswick
This lively cafe-bar seems to have become everyone's favourite hangout in Keswick – thanks no doubt to its superb thin-based pizzas, excellent wine and…
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Cumbria & the Lakes
For many years this town house restaurant has been the address for formal dining in Carlisle and there's no sign that's going to change. It majors in rich…
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The Lake District
Two miles from Windermere in Ings, this resolutely traditional inn is exactly what you'd expect from a Cumbrian pub – beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls,…
