Eating out in the Lake District

For many local food producers and restaurant owners in the Lake District, food and drink have become art forms, and many only use locally produced food to ensure freshness and quality.

So many crops are grown and harvested in the Lake District, that many local eateries only use local produce on their menus, and combine the ingredients to delicious effect.

Cumbria is overflowing with fabulous restaurants, pubs and bakeries where food is home cooked and tasty. From local bakeries, where you can find delicious cakes, breads and tarts to Michelin starred restaurants, offering fine food, the Lake District boasts some of the finest places to eat in England.

If you want to wet your whistle in the Lake District you are spoilt for choice with a wide range of country inns and pubs serving real ales and a range of great bar food. If you are a foodie, you won´t be disappointed in the Lake District, with farmer´s markets, cafés, bars, restaurants and food fairs on the doorstep.

Eating your way around the Lake District

If you want to embark on a real foodie´s tour of the Lake District, try the famous sticky toffee pudding in Cartmel, Kennedy´s home-made chocolate in Penrith, Cumberland sausages in Waberthwaite and Allerdale goat´s cheese from Thursby. Local establishments are passionate about using local produce, and only the freshest and finest local ingredients are used to create their specialities. Whatever you enjoy eating, you will find it in the Lake District.

Food festivals and markets in the Lake District

If you are looking for a real taste of the countryside in Cumbria, try the local specialities of the Lake District which include: Peter Gott´s wild boar sausages, Abbott Lodge Jersey Ice Cream, Thornby Moor Dairy Cheeses and the incredibly tasty Holker Saltmarsh Lamb. Regular festivals and markets are held in the Lake District, plus a host of farmers markets, which highlight the quality of local produce.

Cafés and tearooms in the Lake District

Cumbria´s cafés and tearooms are among the best in the country, and as tea is our national drink, you can enjoy a traditional cuppa in style in the Lake District. Many of the small cafés and tearooms in the area also tempt visitors with a delicious range of home-made cakes and sandwiches. Greystone House Farm Shop and Tearoom at Stainton, Hazelmere Café in Grange-over-Sands and The Windmill at Little Salkend, Penrith are well worth a visit.

Country inns and gastropubs in the Lake District

In addition to the fine dining restaurants dotted around the Lake District, the country inns and gastropubs should not be missed if you are looking for excellent food in comfortable surroundings.

The following establishments all won awards for fine food in the North-West:

English Lakes Ice Cream for its Raspberry Pavlova Ice Cream, Lizzie´s Home Made for its Frutta Cotta Mostarda, Munx Lakeland Bakey for its Cumbrian Honey Bread, Brunswick Deli for its Caramel Shortbread and Chocolate Brownies and Jeremy´s Soups for its Pea and Ham Soup.

Local drinks producers in the Lake District

The Lake District boasts many top local drinks producers. If you have been making the most of the great outdoors and are looking to quench your thirst, try a glass of Lakeland Spring Water, or the famous Willow Water, which is a firm favourite of Clarissa Dickson Wright If you fancy something stronger, sample Strawberry Bank Liqueur´s award-winning blackberry gin or Jefferson´s rum. Real ale is also served in many inns throughout the area, and you will be spoilt for choice if you are a fan of the dark stuff.

Food and beer festivals in Cumbria

If you are a food and drink fan, celebrate the fantastic fare in Cumbria with a trip to a local food or beer festival during your stay. Beer festivals are regularly held around the region, and farmer´s markets take place all year round.

Fine Dining and Michelin Stars in the Lake District

You can enjoy fine dining in boutique hotels, Windermere, the Lake District, and at one of three Michelin starred restaurants in the region. Visit Holbeck Ghyll, L´enclume or Sharrow Bay for sumptuous food and superb stylish surroundings which combines exceptional service with some of the most delicious dishes you will ever taste. Complemented with fabulous wine lists, these three Michelin Star Restaurants offer visitors every luxury. The Lake District is one of the few areas outside London to boast so many Michelin stars.

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