12 Of The Best Places To Eat In The Lake District

10 April 2017

The Lake District is a great place to visit for so many reasons. Not only is there stunning scenery as far as the eye can see, and fantastic walks and outdoor activities to be enjoyed, it is also a fantastic place if you’re a foodie. Visitors, locals, and critics alike have a great choice when it comes to finding a place to eat!

We’ve whittled down the many different restaurants and eateries, and compiled our list of the 12 best places to eat in the Lake District.

The Punchbowl

Crosthwaite

The Punchbowl at Crosthwaite is a real gem in the Lyth Valley, just a few miles past Kendal. Many of those visiting the Lake District don’t make it up this way, but it is well worth a visit if only to experience the beautiful A La Carte menu. The food is of the highest quality and beautifully presented. Expect dishes such as Cumbrian venison loin and roast guinea fowl!

The Beer Hall, Hawkshead Brewery

Staveley

For delicious pub grub at reasonable prices, head to the Beer Hall in Staveley. They serve a range of tapas options, as well as more substantial mains and desserts. The menu is ever-changing, but you can expect plenty of local ingredients in their delicious dishes.

The Masons Arms

Grange-over-Sands

If you love hearty food, and glorious views, then you need to pay a visit to The Masons Arms. Loved by those who visit, it’s hard to tell which is more popular – the delicious locally sourced food, or the views of the beautiful Winster Valley from their outdoor heated terraces. One thing is for sure, though, it’s an award winning combination!

Kings Arms

Keswick

There are two great options for dining at The Kings Arms in Keswick. Firstly, the main restaurant, where they put a modern twist on classic dishes. The locally sourced dishes are hearty and full of flavour, serving everything from toasted sandwiches to Lakeland lamb.

LB’s Pizza House

If it’s pizza or pasta you fancy, LB’s Pizza House is in the courtyard of the King’s Arms, and they serve up fresh stone baked pizzas, as well as pasta dishes. You can even watch them prepare your food!

Brew Brothers

Kendal

Brew Brothers is the place to go for all day brunch and great coffee in Kendal. In fact, they pretty much have all bases covered, as they also have a lunch menu, and on Fridays they open until 7, allowing you to kick off your weekend with a bottle of Prosecco.

Steam Bistro

Coniston

Steam Bistro pride themselves on their ambiance and relaxed dining, and we imagine they are also rather proud of the food itself. Their fixed price sample menu features dishes which hint at a variety of influences from around the world, and an impressive number of their ingredients are sourced locally.

Lake Road Kitchen

Ambleside

Serving up “the food of the North” Lake Road Kitchen provide an impressive tasting menu featuring local, seasonal produce. Having acquired up a host of awards for their impeccably well thought out, beautifully presented dishes (including 3 AA Rosettes), booking is essential.

Kirkstile Inn

Loweswater

The Kirkstile Inn combines great good and ale, with a stunning location. The food is unpretentious, but of great quality and locally sourced, and vegetarians will be pleased to find there are several great vegetarian dishes alongside local specialties such as Lakeland fillet steak and North Cumbrian Chicken.

Cragwood Country House Hotel

Windermere

At Cragwood Country House Hotel’s restaurant, you can enjoy the very best local produce the Lake District has to offer from tender Herdwick lamb and spicy Cumberland sausage to freshly caught trout and Morecambe Bay potted shrimps, local asparagus, Cumbrian cheeses and homemade chutneys.

The Pheasant

Bassenthwaite

The Pheasant at Bassenthwaite Lake offers fantastic food options from a beautiful setting. Choose from a more casual setting in the Bistro, or enjoy a fine dining experience in the Fell Restaurant. They also have the option of private dining, as well as afternoon tea! Whichever you choose, you’ll be served the best local produce and imaginative dishes.

The Coffee Kitchen

Cockermouth

You’re guaranteed a true taste of Cumbria at The Coffee Kitchen, home to the Cockermouth Sourdough Pizza. The majority of their supplies are either sourced locally or made in-house, particularly their bread, which is made in their own on-site bakery. Breakfasts, sandwiches, and hot meals are available, with plenty of veggie and vegan options, and let’s not forget the great coffee, and welcoming atmosphere.

We hope we have helped you find your new favourite eatery or a place to stop and refuel the next time you are visiting the Lakes. For even more fine dining, check out the four Lake District restaurants that were awarded Michelin Stars in this article from the North West Evening Mail!