Most visitors to Cumbria can be found scaling the fells or seeking out secret swim spots and waterfalls. But now there’s a whole new generation of foodie explorers embarking on appetite-building walks in search of the best places to eat in the Lake District. Charting courses from swanky Windermere restaurants and gastro pubs serving the best Sunday lunch in Keswick, to quirky cafes hidden along the road-less-travelled.
Rooted in a rich culinary history that’s tied to the local landscape, the region’s dining scene is a masterclass in provenance. Many of the places to eat and best restaurants in Cumbria are all about the field-to-fork ethos, where menus are dictated by the seasons and celebrate local Lakeland produce. If you want to unearth a countryside bistro down a winding lane or settle into a cosy, fire-lit inn and tuck into some of the best pub food in the Lake District, you’re in for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
Best Lakeside Restaurant Lake District
Another Place The Lake, Ullswater
Website: Another Place The Lake
Phone: 017684 86442
Socials: @anotherplacethelake
Boasting a spectacular backdrop on the shores of Ullswater, Another Place The Lake is as much about the views as it is about the hearty, locally sourced food. With four fabulous places for dining, you’re spoilt for choice. You can kick-back in the informal Living Space for sharing vibrant plates, burgers and steak frites with panoramic lake views. Alternatively, the striking architectural Glasshouse offers a secluded, intimate dining experience with wood fired pizzas on the lakeside. Rampsbeck takes you on a culinary journey with its three-course Cumbrian menu showcasing seasonal flavours from the region. If you fancy stepping out, a short stroll brings you to The Brackenrigg Inn, a traditional, dog-friendly pub serving comforting classics and house-brewed ales by a crackling fire.
Want to make a whole day of it? Grab a Lake Pass, which bundles up a range of dining perks with full access to the Swim Club facilities, letting you enjoy lakeside indulgence and relaxation.
Best Sunday Roast Lake District
Wild Boar Estate, Crook, nr Windermere
Website: Wild Boar Estate
Phone: 0330 4041 292
Socials: @wildboarestate
Set inside peaceful woodlands just a seven-minute drive from Bowness-on Windermere, the Wild Boar Estate is a destination in its own right. The Grill & Smokehouse restaurant creates a rustic atmosphere to complement its location, with exposed oak beams and open fires setting the stage for a compelling culinary feast.
The chefs celebrate seasonality and let the ingredients speak for themselves with dishes that are expertly executed. Packing in rich, hearty flavours, favourites such as the Lamb Shank Moussaka, Char Sui Pork Belly, and their undisputed Sunday Lunch keep drawing guests back time and again. If you prefer afternoon tea with a twist, the stout-braised beef with Lakeland crumpet is melt-in-the-mouth and a welcome alternative to finger sandwiches, in my opinion. But of course, you can still indulge in the more traditional scones with clotted cream and jam.
Best Pub Food
The Royal Hotel, Dockray
Website: The Royal Hotel
Phone: 017684 82356
Socials: @royaldockray
Within walking distance of Aira Force, Gowbarrow and the shores of Ullswater, The Royal Hotel in Dockray is one of the best places to eat in the Lake District after a long yomp. Celebrated for some of the best pub food in the Lake District, the chefs are experts in creating an alternative take on traditional pub grub, finding that elusive sweet spot between traditional and contemporary. Reliably sourced from local farms and suppliers, the provenance of the ingredients stands out on the plate. You can immediately taste the fresh, distinctive flavours of each dish – think meltingly tender braised lamb shanks, delicate Cumbrian trout, and golden-crusted homemade pies.
During summer, the hotel gardens offer a breath of fresh air, with chickens wandering freely on the lawn and butterflies flitting from flower to flower. As the cooler months set in, crackling wood burners cast an inviting glow across the bar and restaurant, while the friendly, attentive staff add another layer of warmth.
Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Windermere
The Old England Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere
While the waterside backdrop at The Old England Hotel is undeniably breathtaking, it’s the dining experience that steals the show on this occasion. The Lakeview Restaurant sits on the shores of Windermere and huge windows frame an impressive panorama across the water and fells.
However, the food refuses to be overshadowed. The familiar heartwarming flavours and seasonal ingredients are designed for pleasure with just the right amount of culinary theatre. Service is polished without being stiff and staff bring warmth to the dining room. Imagine British cuisine with a contemporary spin – braised beef, so tender it falls apart effortlessly on the fork, served on a bed of silky, buttery mash and complemented by the natural sweetness of honey-roasted carrots.
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