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
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…
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,…
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 …
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…
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,…
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',…
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…
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…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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;…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
