Heading To The Lakes? Here Are The Very Best Lake District Restaurants To Add To Your List
As someone who lives in Yorkshire, I would fight to the ends of the earth to claim that this county in fact has the best ingredients, and some of the best food around. But then there’s no ignoring our dear neighbours, the Lake District, a mere stroll through the Pennines and the Dales, and home to some of the tastiest grub England has to offer. From Michelin-starred jaunts to crag-side bistros, and a famous food or two, you may go to the Lakes for the scenery, but you sure as hell stay for the food.
But with SO much square mileage to cover (the Lakes is home to none other than sixteen lakes), here’s my top locations for the best stops if you like me, you live for the food.
Cartmel
I must start with epicentre of fine-dining cuisine, Cartmel. This picturesque village is petite yet holds none other than FOUR Michelin-stars thanks to Simon Rogan, three for his flagship L’Enclume, and one for his neighbouring joint Rogan & Co. With most of his produce coming from his own farm in Cartmel Valley, his ever-evolving dining experience remains one of the best around.
And while many on a foodie pilgrimage will be going for Rogan’s food, don’t leave without stopping by the Village Shop to get your hands on the OG Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, and stocking up on artisanal cheeses from Cartmel Cheeses.
It’d be rude not to mention Heft in High Newton too, a 17th Century inn a mere three miles up the road, owned by Cumbrian born and bred duo Kevin and Nicola Tickle. This inspiring and seasonal menu is so good in fact, it was awarded its very own Michelin star in the 2023 guide.
Grasmere
William Wordsworth once described Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” and I certainly found that on the terrace of my room at The Forest Side. Housed in a fairy-tale-like Gothic mansion, The Forest Side is also home to a Michelin-starred kitchen overseen by the tremendously talented Paul Leonard. With 60% of its fruit and veg grown on-site in The Forest Side’s gardens, this dining experience is fun, laidback and erring just on the right side of formal tasting menu that I like. Highlights included an aged Lakeland Dexter tartare with whipped bone marrow and caviar, finished tableside, and the poached North Sea cod, with a brown shrimp sauce so delectable I could have drunk it by the jug.
Stars, and fine dining aside, you can’t talk about Grasmere and not mention Grasmere Gingerbread, one of the most famous (and delicious) gingerbreads around, still made using the recipe of Victorian cook Sarah Nelson. Don’t leave without a trip to Grasmere Brewery’s tap room The Good Sport, for a pint of Helles Lager – it’s a must.
And finally, just outside, teetering on the edge of Helm Crag, is The Yan at Broadrayne, a bistro with accommodation whose hospitality and food is as tasty as the abundance of walks on its doorstep.
Ambleside
Then just down the road you have a further one Michelin-starred hotspot in the form of The Old Stamp House at Ambleside, an intimate 28-cover restaurant run by the Blackburn brothers. They title their menu, ‘A Journey Around Cumbria,’ showcasing everything from the fields (duck liver and rabbit) to The Bay (potted shrimps with a spiced mead velouté), and The Fells (Herdwick hogget with a braised shoulder mint and anchovy salad).
Ambleside is also home to an abundance of cafes and pubs, perfect for pre, post or mid walk bites. If you visit one, make it The Apple Pie Café & Bakery a family-run gem, whose doughnuts are to die for, whilst the warmth and hospitality of the Drunken Duck Inn will make you want to hunker down indoors all weekend.
Windermere
The biggest lake in the area - Windermere - is also home to plenty of tasty eats. Simon Rogan has branched out of Cartmel with Henrock, a beautifully relaxed restaurant inside Linthwaite House, whilst the uber luxurious Gilpin Hotel and Lake House is home to SOURCE, overseen by Fat Duck alumni Ollie Bridgewater.
Finally, if you're not already overwhelmed by options, don't miss a stay at Holbeck Ghyll, which also includes a beautiful restaurant serving up fare such as katsu crab, grilled wild turbot and Cumbrian lamb.
