Best Places to Eat & Drink in the Lake District | Highside Farm

Eating & Drinking

In the Lake District

Food,
Glorious food!

From the award-winning restaurants to gastro pubs and cafes, Cumbria offers some of the best in food and drink. From the local beer to the renowned Lakeland lamb and beef, an abundance of excellent local food combined with international influences provide for even the most discerning food lover.

Food & Drink Categories

Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch

Bassenthwaite & Surrounding Area’s

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Quirky traditional café

Café in a restored railway station with a full-size replica steam train on the former Cockermouth to Keswick line. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea aboard the replica Orient Express train. Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro

Modern café

Bar and Bistro at Herdwick Croft Caravan Park. It’s the perfect place for brunch/lunch, coffee, ice cream & cake or simply relax in their cosy bar for pizza and drinks. Gorgeous seating outside for a sunnier day! Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

The Old Sawmill Tearoom

Traditional British tearoom

Tearoom located next to Dodd Wood Car Park. They specialise in traditional home baking and freshly prepared food using local ingredients, along with locally roasted coffee, speciality teas, bottled drinks & ice creams.

The Pheasant Inn

17th-century coaching inn

Taste the best that the Lake District has to offer and enjoy a memorable meal in a beautiful, relaxed setting. They specialise in using the best Cumbrian produce to create spectacular dishes.

Keswick & Surrounding Area’s

YONDER

Very classy Coffee Shop

A Haven for Stylish Sips, Where Each Cup Is a Work of Art. Elevate Your Coffee Experience with Us. Personnel favourite of James’

The Chalet Tearooms & Restaurant

Contemporary tearoom

Situated in the Lakeland village of Portinscale nestled on the shores of Derwentwater. They offer breakfast or lunch, accompanied with a cold glass of wine or beer from their fully licensed bar.

The Lingholm Kitchen

Lakeside country estate

Located on the western shore of Derwentwater, their spacious café is open every day, serving delicious homemade food and award-winning coffee. Whether you are after a hearty breakfast, tasty lunch or just a snack to recharge you, it provides something for every occasion.

Merienda

Artisan café

From artisan coffees and delectable cakes and sandwiches to a globally inspired evening menu, Merienda uses only the best locally sourced, seasonal produce.

Lake Road Brunch (LRB)

Trendy brunch classics

The only place in Keswick to get next level breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Whether it’s their tasty Full English or Masala Dosa. They pride themselves on providing an unforgettable experience any time of the day.

Bryson’s of Keswick

Part of Keswick's history since 1947

Welcoming customers for almost seventy years, they bake a range of delicacies daily from their bakery such as breads, artisan breads, cakes, cream cakes, savouries, and their famous Lakeland Plumbread.

Java Coffee Shop

Trendy small café

A cosy cafe in the heart of bustling Keswick, serving excellent cakes, lunches, and coffee. They provide a wide selection of coffees, hotel chocolates and cakes along with a chocolate fountain (for those with a sweeter tooth).

The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas

Pub classics

See breakfast section. An extensive menu that includes pub classics, British favourites, and internationally inspired cuisine.

Lyzzic Hall Hotel & Restaurant

Traditional and contemporary British food

A menu consisting of traditional and contemporary British food, often with an international twist. All prepared by their talented chefs using the finest ingredients, and often herbs from our own garden.

Cockermouth & Surrounding Area’s

The Moon & Sixpence

Trendy café specialising in British Cuisine

Independent Coffee House specialising in British Cuisine such as sourdough toasts and sausage rolls along with a selection of tasty scones, cakes, and bakes. They also offer a great latte hot chocolate or cappuccino among many other drinks. Personnel favourite of Edwards.

FIKA

Cosy artisan café

Cosy café serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch that are fresh, delicious, and wholesome. From daily cakes to special pastries, everything is prepared and baked fresh daily, using local ingredients and suppliers.

Rendezvous

Traditional café

Tasty café based in Cockermouth which pride themselves in baking all their scones, cakes, and sweet treats in-house. All food, sandwiches and cakes are freshly made and baked on the premises every day using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Evening

Bassenthwaite & Surrounding Area’s

Ravenstone Manor Hotel

Contemporary British classics

Whether it’s a simple bar meal or 3 courses in The Dining Room, their team have exacting standards. With their Dining Room and Bar menus, as well as daily specials to choose from, there’s a fantastic meal for everyone with stunning views out toward Bassenthwaite Lake.

The Sun Inn

Tasty traditional pub grub!

Traditional and quaint 16th century pub in the heart of the village of Bassenthwaite. They specialise in real ales along with a choice of lagers and ciders on draft and assorted bottled beers and ciders, along with a large traditional food menu. Great beer garden and lively atmosphere! Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

The Lakes Distillery Bistro

Locally sourced and inspired cuisine

On the site of a working distillery the bistro is a place to savour coffee and cakes, lunch, small plates, or a three-course meal. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients, resulting in their menus changing frequently, in line with the seasonal produce available.

The Pheasant Inn

17th-century coaching inn

Taste the best that the Lake District has to offer and enjoy a memorable meal in a beautiful, relaxed setting. They specialise in using the best Cumbrian produce to create spectacular dishes.

The Grill at Armathwaite Hall

Locally Sourced Steak & Seafood

Specialising in locally sourced steak and seafood in a luxurious Lake District hotel. The Grill features an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, complementing the rich, hearty flavours of the dishes.

Keswick & Surrounding Area’s

The Round

Notoriously great burgers and cocktails!

Situated in Keswick’s iconic Market Square, The Round sits on the footsteps of the Moot Hall. They specialise in great tasting burgers using local ingredients, home-made sauces, and inventive twists on classic combinations, along with a wide selection of cocktails which will suit all tastes. Personnel favourite of everyone's.

Square Orange Café & Bar

Tasty pizzas and mouth-watering tapas!

Cosy and quirky little bar & eatery in Keswick. An unexpected gem found nestled in the heart of Keswick. With a full bar, specialty coffee menu freshly made stone-baked pizzas, tapas & deserts, and live music evenings; the kind of atmosphere you will find hard to leave! Personnel favourite of everyone's.

Mizu Pan Asian Restaurant

Renowned Asian cuisine

Mizu’s menu is a treat for the senses: a selection of tempting Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai specialities. Expect sensational sushi and sashimi, crisp tempura, fragrant curries, and delicately spiced bowls of ramen, as well as tender meat, chicken and fish dishes from the grill, Mizu-style.

The Cottage in the Wood

Award winning Michelin starred cuisine

Perched 1,000ft up in the Whinlatter Forest, The Cottage in the Wood is a unique Michelin Star Restaurant. The award-winning restaurant is listed in the Good Food guides, and recently retained a position in the UKs top 100 restaurants.

Fellpack

Innovative twists on classics!

Their aim is to design dishes that are innovative twists on classics, using skill and flavour to provide a memorable eating experience, with short, seasonal, and eclectic menu. Indeed, you might find a Japanese dish sat next to a take on neeps and haggis. There is no explanation to the menu other than they only serve what they would want to eat.

Brossen at Inn on the Square

Award-winning steakhouse

Brossen Steakhouse is an award-winning Keswick restaurant all about spectacular meat and proper stunning food. They offer a wide selection of locally sourced products handpicked for amazing flavour and only the very best mouth-watering meat.

Bar Es Tapas

Tasty Mexican inspired cuisine

With its rustic interior, mural covered walls, and relaxed atmosphere. They serve an extensive range of Mexican inspired tapas dishes, cooked using fresh ingredients, with plenty of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options available.

Casa Bella

Family-run Italian

Located in the heart of Keswick’s town centre. Set across three separate areas you can enjoy spacious family dining or a meal for two in a quiet corner. They specialise in homemade pizzas using hand stretched dough, to create a traditional thin and crispy base, as well as pasta and risotto dishes including a fantastic pasta Bolognese and beef lasagne.

Lakeland Spice Cuisine

Flavourful Indian cuisine

Lakeland Spice Cuisine, offers a refined and flavourful Indian cuisine experience. The establishment boasts a wide range of dishes including the popular Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Bhuna, and Naga Curry. Vegetarian options are also available, such as the Bindi Bhaji and Mushroom Balti.

Star of Siam

Mouth-watering Thai inspired dishes

Every mouth-watering dish is skilfully prepared and cooked from fresh by a team of experienced Thai chefs. Each dish is created to produce a unique flavour for the discerning palate. What nicer way to end a day amongst this timeless landscape than a relaxed meal with one of the world's truly great cuisines.

The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas

Pub classics

Former magistrates’ court and police station renovated into a restaurant and bar. They provide a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, and barista style coffee, along with an extensive menu that includes pub classics, British favourites, and internationally inspired cuisine.

Cockermouth & Surrounding Area’s

Embleton Spa Hotel

Delicious food with spectacular views

Eat in the comfort of the restaurant or enjoy a table dining al fresco on the sun terrace overlooking the fells. From lighter “drop-in” lunches to an evening menu, you’ll enjoy delicious, hearty food cooked by their chefs.

Shills of Cockermouth

Eclectic range of wine and freshly cooked tapas

Two floors of delights! Downstairs the home of artisan cheese, fine wine, and handcrafted chocolates. Upstairs serving coffee, tapas, and wine. A café bar offering an eclectic range of wine, continental foods, and freshly cooked tapas.

Aspava

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

Set in its own courtyard just off Main Street they offer an authentic Turkish dining experience from food to decor to staff. They specialise in all Turkish dishes with a selection from the area from where the owners are from

The Trout Hotel

Modern British dishes

A contemporary and relaxed setting offering several options in the Terrace Bistro, Lounge Bar and Courtyard offering a spacious setting to relish in exceptional food and drink. They provide an inviting all day menu, with an array of refreshing flavour combinations and modern British dishes.

Koppers Café & Bar

One of Cumbria’s finest eateries

Having fast gained a reputation as one of Cumbria’s finest eateries. It is a trendy, welcoming and fun place to eat and enjoy a drink. The history of the building in which it is situated is almost as rich as the food on offer.

Fermento

Italian Family Kitchen

Founded out of love for Italian food. Everything is designed in order to serve seasonal fruits and vegetables. Wine, drinks, and their main ingredients (charcuterie, cheese, buffalo mozzarella, etc) are freshly imported directly from Italy.

Drinks, Bars & Pubs

Bassenthwaite & Surrounding Area’s

The Sun Inn

Tasty traditional pub

See evening section. Great selection of local ales, lagers and spirits which taste even better in the sun trapped beer garden. Lagers are personnel favourites of James’.

Herdwick Willy’s Bar & Bistro

Modern café

Bar and Bistro at Herdwick Croft Caravan Park. It’s the perfect place for brunch/lunch, coffee, ice cream & cake or simply relax in their cosy bar for pizza and drinks. Gorgeous seating outside for a sunnier day! Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

Castle Inn Hotel

Historic Coaching Inn

Nestled in the breathtaking Lake District National Park with stunning views of Bassenthwaite Lake. Dating back to 1770, known for local Cumbrian ales, enjoy diverse menu options with daily specials amidst panoramic views of Skiddaw and Catbells.

Keswick & Surrounding Area’s

Derwent Walker Cocktail Bar and Restaurant

Speciality Cocktails

Speciality Cocktails designed by mixologists for a unique experience in the heart of Keswick. Their cocktail menu not only contains classics, but a range of their very own Derwent walker specialities. Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

The Crafty Baa Keswick

Award winning ultimate beer experience

An AA Best Pub of Year award winner. With over 100 craft beers in the fridge including the worlds 2 strongest beers, along with fruity ciders and spirits, which can be enjoyed in front of roaring open fires. They also host a range of live music evenings. Personnel favourite of Edwards.

The Pocket

Beers, pizza, and live music!

Niche and perfectly situated bar and cafe on Lake Road offering thin, crispy sourdough homemade pizzas, and most importantly cocktails, local ales, and Belgian beers. The bar keeps the town entertained with its offering of a variety in the way of music including open mic nights; DJs; reggae; vinyl and folk sessions.

The Back Bar

Sports bar with the latest alcohol license in Keswick

The Back Bar is a family-friendly pub providing comfortable drinks and easy meals from 12noon ‘til late. You can grab a drink and watch live sports on whilst shooting some pool or throwing some darts. For those wanting to stay out a little later it has the latest license in town, serving drinks till 2am.

The Round

Notoriously great burgers and cocktails!

See evening section. Wide selection of great cocktails which will suit all tastes. We can highly recommend the Fellstar Martini and Cheeky Vimto! Personnel favourite of everyone's.

The Golden Lion

Traditional pub with live music and sports

Recently renovated, it is traditional pub at the heart of the community, with friendly service, great quality food & drink. Specialising in a wide selection of beers, ciders and spirits which can be enjoyed whilst watching sport on their large TV screens or singing along to live music.

Lake District Wine

Independent wine shop and bar

Serving a selection of wines by the glass (and the occasional beer and spirit too) alongside a small menu of tasty nibbles. Made of a curated collection of wines hand-picked from makers and distributors across the globe.

Crooked River Tap

Independent local craft and cask brewery

Family and pet-friendly bar where customers can enjoy a range of locally made, brewery-fresh beer and learn about the brewing process directly from the team behind the beets. Enjoy live music and events.

The Lake Road Inn

Real hidden gem

Located in the heart of Keswick, The Lake Road Inn is a real hidden gem with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to enjoy traditional food and cask ale. Occupying two buildings, the pub has a separate games room across the courtyard beer garden, and it hosts regular live music events.

Bar Es Tapas

Tasty Mexican inspired cuisine

See evening section. Offers a range of drinks including craft beers both on draught and in bottles, cocktails, and a wide range of spirits. Fridays and Saturday are typically quite lively with a DJ often playing.

Fox Tap & Brewery

Home to Keswick Brewery Co

Enjoy a beer at the Keswick Brewery’s Fox Tap bar. They have up to 6 cask and 4 keg beers available along with bottled and canned beers, along with spirits, wines, ciders, and soft drinks.

The Chief Justice of the Common Pleas

Pub classics

Former magistrates’ court and police station renovated into a restaurant and bar. They provide a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, and barista style coffee, along with an extensive menu that includes pub classics, British favourites, and internationally inspired cuisine.

Cockermouth & Surrounding Area’s

Koppers Café & Bar

One of Cumbria’s finest eateries

See evening section. With an extensive cocktail menu and a selection of 80 different gins to choose from, the venue proves popular with those looking to enjoy an evening of tasty concoctions. Personnel favourite of Deborah’s.

Seth’s Bar

A real ale and cocktail pub

A real ale pub that also serves a range of cocktails, gins & excellent wines. If you’re lucky they might also be serving pizzas! Personnel favourite of James’.

The Castle Bar

One of Cockermouth’s leading pub delights

A beautiful 16th century building that has been renovated to become one of Cockermouth’s leading pub delights. The Castle Bar pub is a meeting place, for locals and visitors alike, serving great local ales and a thoughtful wine and spirits list. It also has a sun trap terraced beer garden round the back.

The Swan Inn

Quaint traditional pub

Tucked away on Kirkgate, The Swan Inn is a traditional pub where Joe, Jim and the team are sure to give you and your four-legged friend a warm welcome. They have at least six real ales on tap, including some from our local Jennings Brewery. Not forgetting a great selection of Gin and Malt Whiskies.

takeaways

Keswick & Surrounding Area’s

Magic Mountain Pizza

Neapolitan Style Woodfired Pizza

A mobile wood fired pizza van specialising in good quality pizza made from the best and freshest first-class ingredients. All their dough is made daily in typical Neapolitan style and cooked in minutes in their pizza oven at 450-500 degrees Celsius. Personnel favourite of James’.

The Kingfisher

The plaice to go!

Traditional fish and chip takeaway and restaurant in the heart of Keswick. Renowned to locals as the best chippy in town, the scent of fish and chips will make your mouth water.

Cockermouth & Surrounding Area’s

Bamboo

Renowned Chinese takeaway

A renowned takeaway and restaurant in the Market Square of Cockermouth specialising in Chinese and Thai cuisine.

Main Street Fisheries

Quintessential British chip shop

Fish and chip shop in the heart of Cockermouth. Known as the best in town to locals and famous for its curry sauce.

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