CT Food &amp; Drink Guide

FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

THE LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA

© The W at Low Wood Bay

Storrs Hall

© The Queen's Head Askham

© Borrowdale Gates Hotel

© Hawkshead Relish

Welcome to the Lake District, Cumbria

Welcome to the 2025 edition of Cumbria Tourism’s Food & Drink guide. Packed with flavour, it’s your go-to guide for a culinary adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria.

As well as two national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and three National Landscapes, our region is also home to a world-class culinary scene. We’re proud of our fantastic food & drink heritage, with talented chefs, makers and producers putting our region firmly on the foodie map.

There’s so much to discover, whatever your taste. Looking for memorable fine dining? This is the county with the most Michelin stars outside of London, as well as countless AA rosette awarded restaurants. After something a bit more casual? Across the area, you’ll find relaxed eateries like cosy country pubs, restaurants and bistros, with classic dishes alongside modern cuisine. Take time to unwind in cafes and tearooms serving up everything from brunch and flat whites to home baked cakes and a proper cup of tea.

Our landscapes are simply bursting with flavour, and our food and drink producers are making the most of all they have to offer. Fill your cup at local breweries, distilleries and roasteries; or pick up delicious handmade products to take home with you for a souvenir of your time here.

This really is the place to be for a taste sensation. But don’t just take our word for it! Read our guide to the area’s food and drink scene, and get inspired by the flavours of our region.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism

© Phil Rigby

From Field to Fork

Our diverse landscapes and rich agricultural heritage make it easy to keep things local. From traditional methods to innovative approaches, sustainability is key across our vibrant culinary scene.

Eat Local

Keeping food miles low comes naturally to our chefs, with ingredients often sourced from within the areasometimes just steps away! Whether ethically reared meat, catch of the day from along the coast, or home grown fruit and veg, supporting local producers not only guarantees fresh, high-quality food but also helps to preserve the traditions and landscapes that make the Lake District, Cumbria, so unique.

Drink Local

Fancy a drink? The Lake District, Cumbria, is full to the brim with fantastic distilleries, breweries and roasteries creating delicious, award-winning spirits, beers, teas and coffees. You can often visit the places they’re made, with tastings and workshops also available.

Vegetarian Dining

From flexitarian to plant based, there are plenty of delicious veggie and vegan options on menus across the county. From inclusive menus catering to all, to fully vegan and vegetarian eateries, there’s something for everyone.

Innovative Techniques

There are plenty of innovative sustainability practices undertaken by our local food and drink producers, from using sustainable packaging to re-purposing the byproducts of the brewing, roasting and cooking process.

Grasmere Gingerbread®

Farmers' Markets & Foodie Events

The Lake District, Cumbria, hosts a wide range of fantastic food and drink events throughout the year. Here’s a taste of what’s on.

Farmers’ Markets

Brampton Farmers’ Market last Saturday of the month

Brough Farmers’ & Artisan Market third Saturday of the month

Carlisle Farmers’ Market first Saturday of the month

Egremont Farmers’, Crafts & Fairtrade Market third Friday of the month

Kendal Farmers’ Market second & last Friday of the month

Kirkby Lonsdale Charter Market every Thursday

Orton Farmers’ Market second Saturday of the month

Penrith Farmers’ Market third Tuesday of the month

Sedbergh Artisan Markets various dates throughout summer

Foodie Events

Country Fest 31 May & 1 June 2025

Westmorland County Show Wednesday 10 & Thursday 11 September 2025

Taste Cumbria Festival

Held in Wigton, Carlisle, Maryport and Cockermouth on various dates through 2025

Dalemain Marmalade Festival April 2026

Taste of the Sea, Maryport © Tom Kay Photography

Kirkby Lonsdale Market Keswick Market

Cumbria On A Plate

Amidst the diverse landscapes of our beautiful region, a foodie paradise is waiting to be explored. Discover a tapestry of flavours, with talented chefs and producers creating award winning food and drink.

From coast to countryside, our dining experiences are as varied as our scenery. Michelin starred restaurants (the most outside of London), AA rosettes and stylish bistros stand alongside cosy country pubs and friendly cafes. All offer a warm welcome and menus packed with local flavour. Refuel after a countryside walk with hearty dishes, drink in the view with afternoon tea overlooking a lake, enjoy handcrafted cocktails in a vibrant city…there’s so much to choose from.

Local produce takes centre stage, from catch of the day overlooking the sea to Cumberland sausage and mash or iconic Cumbrian sweet treats. If you’d like to take something home with you, there’s plenty of choice - including home made jams and chutneys, and locally brewed spirits and ales.

Craving a taste of Cumbria, delivered right to your door? Not a problem! Whether it’s a hamper of fresh produce sent straight to your holiday accommodation, or classic Lakeland treats for you to enjoy at home, we’ve got you covered.

Discover new favourites or revisit beloved haunts. With so much on offer, you’re sure to find something to tempt your tastebuds in the Lake District, Cumbria.

© SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel © Clare House Hotel

© The Yan at Broadrayne

Cumbria Tourism Award Winners

The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate the very best of the Cumbrian tourism industry. Held in July at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, the 2024 event was a glittering celebration of local pride - and there were more than a few food & drink winners!

To view the full list of winners from the Cumbria Tourism awards 2024, go to visitlakedistrict.com/awards

New Tourism Business Award

Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley Force Cafe, Ambleside

Pub of the Year

SYMBOLS KEY

a Booking advisable

v Vegetarian menu choices

V Vegan/Plant-based choices

k Children's menu available

! Special diets & allergens catered for

d Dog friendly

b Licensed

o Outdoor seating available

i Free WiFi

2 On bus route

p Private parking

5 Electric vehicle charging point

8 Wheelchair accessible including WC

x AA Rosettes

M Michelin Stars

Great Taste Award Winner 2024

Pubs, Inns & Breweries

Great food and drink, served in some stunning locations… With stylish gastro pubs, bustling locals, town centre eateries and rural spots, there’s plenty of choice.

Cosy Dining & Comfort Food

Hearty meals by roaring log fires, locally brewed ales, al fresco dining in sunny beer gardens and a warm Cumbrian welcome: our pubs, inns and breweries offer hearty refreshment. Choose from stylish gastro pubs, bustling locals, town centre eateries and rural spots, and refuel after a day spent exploring.

On the menu you’ll find pub favourites alongside creative twists on traditional dishes. Local ingredients like Cumbrian reared meats, artisan cheeses, kitchen garden veg and handmade relishes make home cooked meals even better. Some pubs even brew their own beers!

Why not make a night of it? Lots of our pubs and inns have rooms too, so you can relax and enjoy genuine Cumbrian hospitality with an overnight stay. Wake up to a home cooked breakfast: just the thing to set you up for another day spent exploring.

Whether it’s good old fashioned comfort food or an innovative take on a classic dish, you’ll be spoilt for choice. One thing’s for sure: you won't leave hungry!

Locally Brewed

From beers to whisky, pick your poison and enjoy it just miles (if not steps!) from where it was made. Cumbria is fast becoming known for its independent drinks producers, with breweries and distilleries offering tours and tastings; some even have their own bars and restaurants.

© The Yan at Broadrayne

© The Wild Boar

© George & Dragon, Clifton

Crown Inn | Queens Head Troutbeck | Masons Arms | Queens Head

WIN A DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST STAY AT THE 4 STAR NORTH LAKES HOTEL & SPA

Please see page 25 for North Lakes Hotel & Spa

Win an overnight stay for 2 people, including a fabulous dinner in the FYR Grill restaurant, the heart of which is a vast fireplace where our Chefs transform ingredients into tempting dishes right in front of you.

During your stay enjoy our hotel Spa with its inviting leisure pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. Relax and enjoy a drink on poolside or sit in front of one of our warming fires in the hotel lounge or conservatory. And because we are conveniently located close to the Lake District we offer a convenient base for you to explore the local region or attend a local event. Our friendly staff are ready and waiting to welcome you.

Brewery - Fox Tap Bar, Tours & Shop

PUB OF THE YEAR 2024

WEST CUMBRIA - CAMRA

PUB OF THE YEAR 2024

WEST CUMBRIA - CAMRA

Restaurants & Fine Dining

From Michelin stars and AA Rosettes to relaxed bistros and casual eateries, take a culinary journey across the Lake District, Cumbria.

A Meal to Remember

This is the place where food is served with a view to match, where ingredients come from field and fell, and where Michelin stars illuminate the culinary landscape, cementing the county’s reputation as a destination for worldclass dining.

Culinary exploration awaits: whether a relaxed meal or a special occasion, we've got just the place. Discover awardwinning restaurants and casual bistros across the area, from bustling town centre eateries to hidden gems and fine dining in country house hotels. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu and get a taste of the Lakes with dishes that are more than worthy of their surroundings (and often take inspiration from them too!).

Ingredients are sourced from within miles of where they’re served - whether from a local farm, a restaurant kitchen garden, or along the Cumbrian coast. With our striking landscapes playing host to such a rich culinary scene, there’s little doubt that Cumbria is a foodie capital not to be missed.

A Galaxy of Stars

Michelin Stars, that is! Here in the Lake District, Cumbria, we’ve got the most Michelin stars outside of London. That includes L’Enclume: one of only two three-star restaurants outside of London and the southeast, and a Green Star holder for its sustainability credentials.

© Allium at Askham Hall

Henrock at Linthwaite House © Cristian Barnett Photography

© Gilpin Spice

© The Lamplighter Dining Rooms

We are open daily for Light Lunch between 12pm – 2.30pm and A ernoon Tea between 12.30pm – 4pm or just call in for Co ee & Cocktails anytime!

Our two AA Rosette Restaurant is open every day and serves a seasonally changing À la Carte Menu from 6pm.

Our menus celebrate the Lake District’s glorious food heritage; our head chef is constantly inspired by the wealth of produce on our doorstep, everything is carefully prepared by the talented kitchen team, from Cumberland breakfasts to an elegant dinner by candlelight with ne wines.

Non-residents are welcome and there’s no booking required, we are the perfect spot to meet with family and friends, or to take a break during your hike!

RESTAURANTS & FINE DINING

Storrs Hall Hotel / Lindeth Fell Country House

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

EXCEPTIONAL DINING EXPERIENCES AT GILPIN

Discover a world of exquisite culinary offerings at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, where dining is an art form. From the refined elegance of SOURCE, our Michelin-starred restaurant, to the vibrant flavours of pan-Asian cuisine at Gilpin Spice, every meal is a celebration of taste and creativity. For a quintessentially British indulgence, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Gilpin Lake House, complete with freshly baked treats and serene views of Knipe Tarn. Each dining experience is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the beauty and tranquillity of the Lake District, offering unforgettable moments to share with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a relaxed escape, the dining options at Gilpin promise to captivate your senses.

Experience Michelin-starred dining at SOURCE, where passion and creativity converge to celebrate the finest seasonal ingredients. Every dish is meticulously crafted to offer an unforgettable journey of flavours, set against the backdrop of our stunning location. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent evenings, SOURCE promises a experience to treasure.

Step into the vibrant world of Gilpin Spice, where the bold and fragrant tastes of Asia are reimagined. Designed for sharing, our dishes are packed with authentic flavours that transport you across continents. The relaxed, contemporary setting makes every visit a delightful blend of warmth, adventure, and exceptional cuisine.

Enjoy a timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea in the enchanting surroundings of Gilpin Lake House. Indulge in delicate finger sandwiches, exquisite pastries, and freshly baked scones, all paired with fine loose-leaf teas. Overlooking the tranquil Knipe Tarn, this is the perfect way to unwind and embrace the elegance of a Lake District retreat.

#LOVEANDLAUGHTER

Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, Crook Road, Near Windermere, The English Lake District hotel@thegilpin.co.uk 015394 88818 www.thegilpin.co.uk

The Bar & Conservatory - Linthwaite House

The perfect setting to unwind and indulge in culinary delights...

The Bar & Conservatory at Linthwaite House offers a culinary experience blending sophistication with charm. The menus are crafted to ensure ﬂavourful, seasonal offerings.

Guests can enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, with options to dine indoors or on the expansive terrace overlooking Lake Windermere and the Coniston Fell.

The all-day dining menu includes a selection of nibbles, bar food, and cocktails, while the Afternoon Tea offers guests the opportunity to unravel this quintessentially British tradition.

Windermere, United Kingdom

+44 (0) 15394 88600

reception@linthwaitehouse.com www.leeucollection.com/UK @linthwaitehouse

Cafes & Tearooms

It’s time for tea, and we’ve got just the place. From cosy tea rooms to modern cafes, home baked cakes to all day brunches, there’s something for all tastes.

Relax & Refuel

Fancy a brew? The kettle is always on in the Lake District, Cumbria. Our cafe culture is thriving: we’ve got contemporary cafes serving brunch and flat whites, traditional tea rooms with bags of charm, and scenic spots for afternoon tea.

Time-honoured local specialties like Rum Nicky and Cumberland sausage butties can be found on the menu alongside creative flavours and Insta-worthy interiors. Slow down and unwind over a locally roasted coffee, or grab your food to go and enjoy it by a lake or atop a Wainwright.

From hearty breakfasts and freshly baked pastries to cream teas and light lunches, our towns, villages, coast and countryside are all bursting with great places to refuel while you explore. Whether you’re indulging in a mid-walk treat, fancy a brew while exploring a museum, or want to linger over a leisurely brunch, our cosy cafés provide the perfect combination of flavour, comfort, and character.

Pull up a chair and watch the world go by. There are few places more beautiful to do so.

Afternoon Tea

A slice of luxury, a traditional cream tea, or an informal experience in relaxed surroundings. A celebratory event or an opportunity to catch up over finger sandwiches, delicate bakes and a glass of fizz. Afternoon tea is an experience to be savoured, and we’ve got plenty to choose from with views to match.

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

The Terrace at Brantwood, Coniston

Howling Wolf Cafe, The Beacon Museum

Cafe Ambio

Retailers & Producers

Don’t let your culinary journey around the Lake District, Cumbria, come to an end simply because your holiday has! Pick up something delicious to take home: we’ve got plenty to choose from, made by local producers across the region.

Begin to discover it all at a local market, packed with homegrown food and drink alongside friendly advice from stallholders and makers. Our towns and villages are bursting with independent shops offering local produce, including world famous delicacies like sticky toffee pudding and Grasmere Gingerbread® for a real taste of Cumbria.

You can even try your hand at making something yourself, with cookery workshops and courses to create an edible souvenir from your trip - as well as memories to last a lifetime.

Don't forget: you can often order your favourite Cumbrian treats online, too. Perfect for gifting or treating yourself if you can't be here in person.

© Chestnut House

© Grasmere Gingerbread®

© Hawkshead Relish

Sarah Nelson’s Ginger Lemon Meringue Pie

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F.

2. Mix the Grasmere Gingerbread® Crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.

3. Transfer to the dish and press into an even, thin layer, including the sides.

4. Place in the oven and bake for 3 minutes, just to seal the mixture.

5. To make the filling, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, whisk together, and pour into the baked crust.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edge of the filling has set and the middle is still slightly jiggly.

7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes before transferring to the fridge and chilling for at least 3 hours.

Ingredients:

For the crust

300g Grasmere Gingerbread® Crumbs

50g melted butter

For the filling

2x 400g cans condensed milk

125ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

(start with ½ cup and add more to taste)

2 tbsp lemon zest

6 large egg yolks

Sarah Nelson’s Ginger Curd

For the Swiss Meringue

6 large egg whites

300g castor sugar

23cm/9in pie dish

For more Cumbrian recipes head to visitlakedistrict.com/recipes

8. To make the meringue, combine the egg whites and sugar in a large bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Whisk the mixture until the sugar has completely dissolved. To test, rub a little of the mixture between your fingers. If you feel sugar granules, continue stirring, if it's smooth remove it from the heat.

9. Whip the sugar and egg mix until it forms stiff peaks, using either a stand or hand mixer.

10. Take the chilled pie and spread a thick layer of Sarah Nelson’s Ginger Curd on top, leaving a gap between the curd and the crust.

11. Dollop the meringue on top and create a dome shape, spreading to the crust and sealing in the ginger curd.

12. Either caramelise the meringue with a kitchen blow torch, or bake for a further 1520 minutes at 160̊˚C/320˚F, until it is a pale golden colour and feels set and firm when touched. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.

© Grasmere Gingerbread®

Food & Drink in Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast

From the lively city of Carlisle in the north, through to scenic coastlines and dramatic mountains further south, discover a foodie paradise with a superb reputation for local produce and culinary expertise. With everything from world class tasting menus in Michelin-starred restaurants to fish & chips and ice cream on the beach, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

The region boasts a fascinating foodie history thanks to its ports connecting to the old spice trade routes that brought in ingredients from across the globe. This then influenced many traditional recipes which are still in use today, the famous Cumberland Sausage being a great example – best enjoyed by a warm fire, in a traditional inn, after a day out in the hills.

Further fantastic local produce is just waiting to be savoured; all thanks to a rich food industry born out of a strong farming heritage, natural ingredients and skilled teams. Cafés and restaurants support this by offering menus full of fresh local produce. For those looking to buy local, shopping opportunities are aplenty. Visit independent retailers, farm shops and markets for local meats, cheeses, preserves or baked goods –made on-site or grown just down the road. Buy direct by visiting a local farm or buy later online and carry on enjoying this great food from wherever you are.

The Cumberland Food & Drink Programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.

Soak up the region’s strong tradition of micro-breweries & distilleries where passionate teams are committed to nurturing their craft to produce excellent gins, whiskies, craft beers and ciders, often aided in production by rich natural resources. Found in Carlisle city, towns, and scenic rural spots, many of these award-winning venues also offer tours, tasting experiences, bistros and taprooms for a great day out. Visit CAMRA quality pubs and lively beer festivals for further superb experiences.

When it’s time to relax and catch up with friends and family, try a traditional afternoon tea. A brilliant range of venues offer some varied and unique experiences. Enjoy your sweet and savoury treats in a cosy tearoom by the sea, in a luxury city centre hotel or in an elegant stately home. Escape to quieter spots nestled between lakes and mountains or hop onboard an old railway carriage for something a bit different. You can always be sure of scrumptious food, a comfy seat and a warm Cumbrian welcome!

We hope you and your taste buds are ready for some mouth-watering experiences as you tuck into the many flavours Carlisle, The Western Lake District and Coast has to offer – a region where great food & drink really is an event!

Discover more at visitlakedistrict.com/taste

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Woolpack Inn, Eskdale

Cranstons Brampton Food Hall

Print Yard, Carlisle

Maryport

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visitor Information Centres

Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff at Cumbria’s Tourist Information Centres can help you make the most of your stay by giving advice on where to go, how to get around, what’s on and where to stay.

Some Tourist Information Centres also offer an accommodation booking service to personal callers. Please note that opening days, times, and operational facilities may be subject to change and some may operate reduced hours during the winter months, therefore please check before travelling.

Alston J4 6

Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF | 01434 382244

Ambleside F9 6

Central Buildings, Market Cross, Ambleside, LA22 9BS 015394 34780

Appleby J7 6

Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby, CA16 6XE | 017683 51177 tic@applebytown.gov.uk

Bowness-on-Windermere F9 6

Glebe Road, Bowness-onWindermere LA23 3HJ | 01539 724555 BownessTIC@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Broughton-in-Furness D10 6

The Old Town Hall, The Square, Broughton-in-Furness LA20 6JF 01229 716115 broughtontic@btconnect.com

Carlisle F3 6

Old Town Hall, Greenmarket, Carlisle, CA3 8JE | 01228 598596 info@discovercarlisle.co.uk

Cockermouth C6 6

88 Main Street, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU | 01900 822634 tic@cockermouth.org

Coniston E9 6

Ruskin Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8EH | 015394 41533

Egremont B8 6

12 Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2DW | 01946 820693

Hawkshead E9 6

Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, LA22 0NS | 015394 40277 hawksheadtic@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Keswick D6 6

Moot Hall, Market Square, Keswick, CA12 5JR | 01539 724555 KeswickTIC@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Kirkby Lonsdale H11 6

The Old Bank, 29 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH 015242 97177 | lovethelune@gmail.com

Kirkby Stephen K8 6

Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Market Square, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QN 017683 71199 | visit@uecp.org.uk

Maryport B5

Lake District Coast Aquarium, South Quay, Maryport, CA15 8AB | 01900 814774 | info@coastaquarium.co.uk

Penrith G6 6

Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PT 01768 867466 | pen.tic@ westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk

Sedbergh J10 6

72 Main Street, Sedbergh, LA10 5AD 015396 20125 | tic@sedbergh.org.uk

Silloth C3 6

Solway Coast Discovery Centre, Liddel Street, Silloth, CA7 4DD 01697 333055

Ullswater F7 6

Beckside Car Park, Glenridding, CA11 0PD | 01539 724555

Windermere F9 6

Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AD | 015394 46499 info@windermereinfo.co.uk

Visitor Information Points

Visitor Information Points offer a local drop-in service which includes basic information and free literature for visitors without being a full-scale Tourist Information Centre. Not all Visitor Information Points are open all year and opening days, times and operational facilities may be subject to change, therefore please check before travelling.

Barrow D12

The Forum, 28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1HH 01229 876557

Dalton D12

Dalton Town Hall, Station Road, Dalton-In-Furness, LA15 8DT 01229 464000

Millom C11 6

Millom Heritage & Arts Centre, Station Road, Millom, LA18 5AA 01229 772555

Pooley Bridge G6

Ullswater ‘Steamers’ Shop and Information Centre, 9 The Square, Pooley Bridge, CA10 2NW 017684 86135

Shap H7

The Old Courthouse, Main Street, Shap, CA10 3NL | 01931 717539 admin@theoldcourthouse.org

Waterhead F9 6

Windermere Lake Cruises, Waterhead Pier, Ambleside, LA22 0EY | 015394 43360 info@windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

Whitehaven A7

The Beacon Museum, West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY 01946 592302

Workington A6

Workington Library, Vulcans Lane, Workington, CA14 2ND 01900 706170

KEY: A1 - Map Reference 6 - Wheelchair Access

MAP OF CUMBRIA

The Lake District, Cumbria, Food and Drink Guide was published by Bucket and Spade (bucket-spade.co.uk) on behalf of Cumbria Tourism, the official Tourist board for Cumbria. Entries in this guide have been paid for and details supplied by individual advertisers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at the time of going to print, details may change. Bucket and Spade and Cumbria Tourism accepts no responsibility for changes, errors,or omissions or for the inconvenience arising there from. The inclusion of any establishment does not imply a recommendation nor can we accept any responsibility for any service offered.