Lake District, Cumbria Food & Drink Guide

LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA

W elcome to

THE LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA

Welcome to the 2023 edition of Cumbria Tourism’s Food & Drink Guide - your essential companion to a culinary adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria.

As well as natural beauty, our landscapes are simply bursting with flavour. This is an area fast becoming known for its culinary excellence, and it's a reputation which is well deserved. We’ve got the most Michelin stars per county north of London and a whole host of fantastic restaurants to complement our fine dining scene. Cafes serving up home baked cakes and specialty coffee can be found across the region: from breakfast and brunch through to afternoon tea with a view, we’ve got you covered. Then there are our pubs: cosy, welcoming

and nestled in some of the most stunning locations around. Local beer is available on tap, often brewed just miles from where you’re sitting. Speaking of keeping things local, our food and drink producers make it easy to do just that, creating a whole host of delicious products to enjoy while you’re here, or take home for a reminder of your visit.

In short, this really is the place to be for a taste sensation - and hopefully by the end of this guide, you’ll agree (if you don’t already!). But don’t take our word for it. Join us and discover for yourself why the Lake District, Cumbria, is such a special place to eat and drink.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism

A CULINARY TOUR OF CUMBRIA

Take your taste buds on a journey across the Lake District, Cumbria, with our map of foodie landmarks.

1. Morecambe Bay Shrimp

- the sands yield these sweet and tasty tiny brown shrimps.

2. Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding

- a British classic, the version from Cartmel is famous worldwide.

3. Book & a brew

- relax with a brew and a good book in Sedbergh: England’s official book town.

4. Kendal Mintcake

- the sugar based snack with a mint flavour, popular with hikers and mountaineers.

5. Grasmere Gingerbread

- originally created by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson, now sold from her cottage in Grasmere and made to the same secret recipe.

6. Market towns

- the Eden Valley is known for its market towns, including Alstonthe joint highest in England.

7. Cosmopolitan city bars

- visit Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle, for a vibrant nightlife including bars and restaurants.

8. Solway Haaf Netters

- a traditional way of fishing in the Solway Estuary, using a large wooden frame and net.

9. Spicy food

- in the 1700s, Whitehaven was a bustling harbour trading sugar and spice with the Caribbean & Americas.

10.

Fish & chips by the beach

- along the coast are plenty of places to enjoy seafood by the ocean.

11. Cumberland Sausage

- a spicy coiled sausage, best served with mash and onion gravy.

12. Brewers & distillers

There are fantastic beers and spirits made in breweries, micro breweries and distilleries across the county.

FROM FIELD TO FORK

GO GREEN IN CUMBRIA

We’re proud of our local landscapes here in the Lake District, Cumbria - and that local pride is shared by our chefs and food & drink producers. Sustainable ingredients and techniques play a starring role, with the abundance of home grown produce meaning it isn’t hard to keep things local. We’re passionate about sustainability, and there are some great ways you can help on your visit to our beautiful county.

© Brockhole on Windermere

DRINK LOCAL

It’s not just the food that’s locally made. The Lake District, Cumbria, is also home to a wide variety of distilleries, roasteries and breweries creating delicious and award-winning spirits, beers, teas and coffees. Whatever your taste, there’s sure to be a brew for you - and you can often visit the places they’re made, too. From using sustainable packaging to re-purposing the byproducts of the brewing, roasting and distilling process, there are plenty of sustainability practices undertaken by our local drinks producers.

VEGETARIAN DINING

If you’re following a plant-based diet, or simply want to give it a go on your trip to the Lakes, vegan and veggie options can be found across the county. From inclusive menus catering to all, to eateries exclusively serving up delicious vegetarian food, there’s lots to choose from.

EAT LOCAL

It’s a joy to eat local here. Ingredients are often sourced from within the area - whether that’s ethically reared meat, catch of the day from along the coast, or locally brewed beers and gins. Keeping food miles down comes naturally to our chefs: some even make use of on-site kitchen gardens, like the one at Brockhole-onWindermere (opposite) and forage for ingredients on their doorstep. Visit our regular Farmer’s Markets to pick up home grown produce; and chat to the makers to get a flavour of where your food comes from.

Sustainability has been a major part of our business since we launched and we are proud to be a net zero, climate positive small business... By implementing small green initiatives and supporting local where possible, we can be a part of a big change.

Zoe Arnold-Bennett

SHED 1 DISTILLERY, ULVERSTON

© Cartmel Farm

FARMERS MARKETS & FOODIE EVENTS

The Lake District, Cumbria, hosts a wide variety 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 Market third Saturday of the month

Carlisle City Centre first Saturday of the month

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

Kendal Farmers Market last Friday of the month

Milnthorpe Market second Friday of the month

Orton Farmers Market second Saturday of the month

Penrith Farmers Market third Tuesday of each month

Sedbergh Artisan Market various dates throughout summer

FOODIE EVENTS

Dalemain Marmalade Festival 22 April 2023

Country Fest 3 & 4 June 2023

Westmorland County Show 13 & 14 September 2023

Taste Cumbria Festival various dates & locations through 2023

Throughout the year, there are plenty of food and drink events to discover. From gin and beer festivals to a chilli eating competition, there's something for everyone. Come Christmas, there are festive markets across the county. Pick up culinary gifts for friends and family; sample delicious hot dishes; and meet the makers. For more events in Cumbria, head to visitlakedistrict.com

LETTERS FROM THE LAKES

DAVE MYERS, THE HAIRY

BIKERS

"There is so much to be said about the food in Cumbria: in all my travels around the country I have found few places that can challenge the wonderful variety, quality and passion for food that we have in our most beautiful of counties. Our food heritage is deep, from our great traditions such as our Cumberland sausages and the meat and potato pies of my home town of Barrow-inFurness, to the Michelin starred restaurants of the Lakes.

We now have, thanks to Simon Rogan, the only three Michelin starred restaurant outside of London. There is a positive constellation of other Michelin starred restaurants that are worthy of a special occasion or travelling far and wide to experience.

This passion and quality filters through to our pubs, cafes and delicatessens. The quality is varied and superb. As for our drinks, our brewers are amazing, producing some of the best beers around as well as distillers producing wonderful unique spirits. Our producers, thanks to the stunning countryside, give chefs and cooks the produce they need. After all, ninety percent of good cooking is good shopping and what a shop window we have. Our producers are sustainable as is our education system with Kendal College being recognised as one of the best catering colleges in the UK. This provides that talent to fill our kitchens. Yes I am a proud, hungry Cumbrian…..we’ve got the lot!"

Discover the Lake District, Cumbria, through the eyes of one of our food and drink heroes.

CUMBRIA ON A PLATE

Welcome to Cumbria: home to two national parks, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of the country’s most breathtaking countryside, and a culinary landscape which is fast becoming one of the best around. This is a foodie’s dream, home to countless award-winning restaurants; fantastic places to eat and drink; and local producers creating flavours to remember. Join us and get a taste of what’s on offer.

With the most Michelin star restaurants per county outside of London, this is the place to be for creative fine dining, with tasting menus taking you on a tour of the Lakes. But you don’t have to visit a Michelin starred restaurant to get a flavour of the area. We’ve also got cosy country pubs, cafes, bars and bistros, each offering their own unique style and the warmest of welcomes.

Our local produce enriches virtually every menu, from freshly made Morecambe Bay potted shrimp overlooking the sea to Cumberland sausage and mash in a country pub - perfect for refuelling after a day on the fells. Wash it all down with a pint brewed just miles away in one of our local breweries.

If you’d like to take something home with you, there’s plenty to choose from - including home made jams and chutneys, and locally brewed spirits and ales.

And if you want something delivered right to your door, that’s not a problem either. How about a hamper of fresh, locally sourced produce from makers across the county? Enjoy it at home, or have it delivered straight to your holiday accommodation.

The Cumbria Tourism Awards celebrate the very best of the Cumbrian tourism industry. Held in July at the Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, the 2022 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 2022 go to visitlakedistrict.com/awards

PUB OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Taste Hospitality Recruitment

The Black Swan at Ravenstonedale

EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Burnetts

Shed 1 Distillery, Ulverston

TASTE OF CUMBRIA AWARD

Sponsored by Eden District Council

The Cottage in the Wood, Braithwaite

NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD

Sponsored by Thomson Hayton Winkley

Bassenthwaite Lake Station, Bassenthwaite

PUBS, INNS & BREWERIES

From stylish gastro pubs to bustling locals; town centre eateries to a rural spot with a view, we’ve got the pub for you. Good food is never far away, with tasty bar meals on offer to ensure that you’ll never go hungry in the Lake District, Cumbria.

© Tweedies Bar & Lodge

COSY DINING & COMFORT FOOD

Whether you’d like to spend a summer’s day on the fells, or round off a winter’s day in front of a roaring log fire, there are plenty of places to toast to your adventures and celebrate a day well spent.

From down-to-earth dining to venues with a touch of luxury, the area’s famous roster of pubs and inns serves up a massive range of food and drink to suit all tastes. Many of our traditional inns offer delicious home cooked meals lovingly prepared using the finest local ingredients such as Cumbrian reared meat, poultry and game alongside artisan cheeses, Cumberland sausage and sticky toffee pudding.

As well as comforting classics, you’ll also find innovative dishes on the menu as our talented chefs get creative, preparing meals to remember in award-winning venues. Plenty of our pubs have rooms, too, so you can enjoy the warm Cumbrian hospitality we’re famous for with an overnight stay. Wake up to a home cooked breakfast, and spend the day exploring on a full and happy stomach.

Then there are our local beers and spirits, often made just miles (if not steps!) from where they’re served. There are independent breweries and drinks producers across the region, many with their very own bars and beer halls for the perfect opportunity to taste something brand new and authentically local. Enjoy your meal al fresco in the beer garden or indoors by the log burner.

© Discover Carlisle

© The Swan at Newby Bridge

© The Wild Boar Inn Grill & Smokehouse

Great Corby Brewhouse

RESTAURANTS & FINE DINING

There are some great food businesses in the Lakes and we're fortunate to have an evergrowing number of seriously good restaurants to explore... and we are now in my opinion the leading food county in Britain, and we just keep getting better at what we do

Simon Rogan, L’ENCLUME

© Rogan & Co

© Cristian Barnett Photography

A MEAL TO REMEMBER

Whether it’s a romantic meal, a chance to catch up with family and friends, a celebration, or something entirely different, we’ve got you covered with restaurants across the Lake District, Cumbria. Embark on a culinary journey with a Michelin starred tasting menu; enjoy a meal with a view; and relax with food which is more than worthy of its surroundings (and often takes inspiration from them, too!).

There are stylish restaurants in town centres; sophisticated country house hotels; and hidden gems across the area. The food takes centre stage, with chefs making the most of the abundance of ingredients available on our doorstep to create delicious, creative and memorable dishes. The location is simply a bonus: imagine dining against the backdrop of the Wainwrights, or in the heart of Cumbria’s only city, Carlisle?

With such striking surroundings, and such a rich culinary scene, it only seems natural that ingredients are often sourced from within miles of where they’re served. Get a real taste for the local landscape: on your plate, you’ll likely find produce from restaurant kitchen gardens, local farmers, and Cumbrian makers aplenty.

REACH FOR THE STARS

After all, we've got ten of them! We’re talking about Michelin Stars, and the fantastic news that Cumbria has eight Michelin starred restaurants; including the first three-star restaurant outside of London and the southeast. That’s L’Enclume, which was awarded three stars in 2022; and is also famed for its sustainability credentials. In fact, Cumbria has the most Michelin star restaurants per county outside of London, so if you’re heading off on a culinary adventure, this is the perfect place to be.

© The Fleece at Ruleholme

© Henrock

There is something truly special about Clare House Hotel. A haven of peace and tranquility set in nearly an acre of wonderful gardens with stunning views over Morecambe Bay and beyond. Open to Non Residents, award winning food served daily. We are fully licensed. We regret no dogs are allowed in the hotel, except guide dogs. We have ample off road parking, Grange is also well served by rail, should you wish to leave your car at home. So relax, feel at home and enjoy the unhurried charm & hospitality at Clare House. We look forward to welcoming you soon. www.clarehousehotel.co.uk Park Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7HQ Tel: 015395 33026 | info@clarehousehotel.co.uk

Enjoy a night away at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa on the shores of England’s longest lake, Lake Windermere right in the very heart of the Lake District National Park.

The hotel hosts two excellent and sophisticated restaurants, Blue Smoke and The W. You can choose which restaurant you would like to experience upon booking.

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is a perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes with the walker’s town Ambleside only a mile away.

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

Rothay Garden Hotel

Simon Rogan

Picture dining with windows that run the length of the restaurant, exhibiting captivating fell views that ideally compliments our food, which continues to win fulsome praise from guests and critics alike, including the 2AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

CAFES & TEAROOMS

Modern cafes serving specialty coffee and brunch; traditional tearooms offering home baked cakes fresh from the oven; afternoon tea with a view at stylish hotels…we’ve got it all in the Lake District, Cumbria. Who’s for a cuppa?

© The Bench Cafe at Fultons Jewellers

TIME FOR TEA

Fancy a brew? The kettle is always on in the Lake District, Cumbria. We’ve got cosy cafes serving brunch and flat whites; traditional tea rooms known for their homemade bakes; and scenic spots for Afternoon Tea. Sample local specialties like Rum Nicky and Cumberland sausage butties; you’ll also find smashed avo, poached eggs from the local farm, and locally roasted coffee on menus across the region. Fancy something light? There are mouthwatering sweet and savoury bakes too. Our towns, villages and countryside are all bursting with great places to relax and refuel while you explore the area. How about afternoon tea with a view? Take a moment to relax over finger sandwiches and delicate bakes, accompanied by loose leaf tea, freshly ground coffee or a glass of fizz. A little slice of luxury in an elegant hotel, a traditional feast in a country house, or an informal experience in relaxed surroundings. A celebratory event or simply an opportunity to catch up with friends and family. Whatever your taste, we’ve got something for you. Re-energise on a walk through the countryside with a visit to a cafe en route. Stroll along the prom in coastal towns and villages, stopping for a hot chocolate or iced coffee as you admire sweeping sea views. If you’re itching to get out and about, ask for your food to go and enjoy it on the shores of a lake; or atop a Wainwright. Our cafe culture is not to be missed - pull up a chair and watch the world go by. There are few places more beautiful to do so.

© Windermere Jetty Museum

© The Swan at Newby Bridge

© Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery

/ Blackfell Photography

The café at Wordsworth Grasmere sits at the heart of the historical hamlet overlooking Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth. Serving locally sourced cakes, hot drinks and savoury snacks and with a gift shop to browse, popular walks from our doorstep and parking available, we’re the perfect place to meet friends or family. Dove Cottage, Museum, Garden–Orchard, Woodland, Shop and Café: wordsworth.org.uk

RETAILERS & PRODUCERS

© Grasmere Gingerbread ®

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, 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 - and make memories to last a lifetime.

IN THE KITCHEN WITH… HAWKSHEAD RELISH

VEGAN INDIAN TOFU RECIPE

A delicious vegan dish packed with flavour: the warming mix of spices will leave you wanting more!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons Hawkshead Relish

Hot Garlic Pickle

1 teaspoon dried cumin seeds

Vegetable oil

Cubed tofu

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon chilli flakes

Method:

1. Crush the Hot Garlic Pickle into a paste. In a dry frying pan over a medium heat toast the cumin seeds. Add a little vegetable oil and fry the tofu until golden on the outside. Once golden remove from the pan, add all the remaining spices and cook for a couple of minutes.

2. Add a little more oil and the Hot Garlic Pickle to the pan along with the sliced onion. Cook until soft and well coated in the mixture,

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 sliced onion

1 tin chopped tomatoes 200g frozen peas 100g baby spinach

Fresh coriander and Hawkshead Relish Mango Chutney to serve!

add the chopped tomatoes and continue to cook until piping hot.

3. Return the tofu and cumin seeds to the pan with the frozen peas and spinach and let it all simmer until everything is cooked through.

4. Serve with fresh coriander, pilau rice and Mango Chutney from Hawkshead Relish.

For more Cumbrian recipes head to visitlakedistrict.com/recipes

© Hawkshead Relish

Handmade for over 20 years in the Lake District

The Market Hall in Carlisle is one of the few remaining Victorian Covered Markets in the Country.

First opened in 1889, the Market Hall is home to many independent businesses and is a melting pot of traditional and modern retailers brimming with an eclectic mix of quality goods, services and food.

The market hall, scotch street, carlisle

Hawkshead Relish Company MAP REF:

The Market Hall, Carlisle

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES

SEASONAL

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. Tourist Information Centres also offer an accommodation booking service to personal callers. w - Wheelchair Access A1 - Map Reference

* possible limited opening during winter months

Alston J4 w Town Hall, Front Street, Alston, CA9 3RF 01434 382244

Ambleside F9 w Central Buildings, Market Cross, Ambleside, LA22 9BS 015394 68135

Appleby J7 w Moot Hall, Boroughgate, Appleby, CA16 6XE 017683 51177 tic@applebytown.org.uk

Bowness-on-Windermere F9 w Glebe Road, Bowness-onWindermere, LA23 3HJ 0845 9010845 bownesstic@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Brampton H2 w Moot Hall, Market Place, Brampton, CA8 1RW 016977 3433

Broughton-in-Furness D10 w The Old Town Hall, The Square, Broughton-in-Furness, LA20 6JF 01229 716115 broughtontic@btconnect.com

Carlisle F3 w

Old Town Hall, Greenmarket, Carlisle, CA3 8JE 01228 598596 tourism@carlisle.gov.uk

Cockermouth C6 w 92-94 Main Street, Cockermouth, CA13 9LU 01900 822634 tic@cockermouth.org

Coniston E9 w Ruskin Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8EH 015394 41533 mail@conistontic.org

Egremont B8 w 12 Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2DW 01946 820693

Keswick D6 w Moot Hall, Market Square, Keswick, CA12 5JR 0845 9010845 keswicktic@lakedistrict.gov.uk

Kirkby Lonsdale H11 w

The Old Bank, 29 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH 015242 97177

Kirkby Stephen K8 w Upper Eden Visitor Centre, Market Street, Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4QN 017683 71199 | visit@uecp.org.uk

Maryport B5

Lake District Coast Aquarium, South Quay, Maryport, CA15 8AB 01900 817760 hello@coastaquarium.co.uk

Penrith G6 w Robinson’s School, Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PT 01768 867466 pen.tic@eden.gov.uk

Sedbergh J10 w 72 Main Street, Sedbergh, LA10 5AD 015396 20125 tic@sedbergh.org.uk

Silloth C3 w Solway Coast Discovery Centre, Liddel Street, Silloth, CA7 4DD 016973 31944 sillothtic@allerdale.gov.uk

Ullswater F7 w Beckside Car Park, Glenridding, CA11 0PD 0845 9010845

Windermere F9 w Victoria Street, Windermere, LA23 1AD 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.

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

Grange-over-Sands F12 w

Victoria Hall, Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 6DP 015395 32375 council@grangeoversands.net

Millom C11 w

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 info@theoldcourthouse.org

Waterhead F9 w

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 vip@copeland.gov.uk

Workington A6

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

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