Top 10 pubs and cafés in the Lake District
There are so many pubs, restaurants and cafés to choose from in the Lake District, that it would be impossible to list all the good ones. Below, is our top ten pubs and cafés in the Lake District:
1.The George and Dragon, Clifton, Penrith Cumbria, CA10 2ER. Tel: 017688 65381. The George and Dragon offers a range of tempting Cumbrian dishes at reasonable prices. They always use fresh, seasonal ingredients which come directly from the estate, and this place comes highly recommended if you want to sample some delicious local dishes.
2.Honister Slate Mine, Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5XN. Tel: 017687 77634. This popular attraction also boasts one of the best café-bars in the area. The Yew Tree offers a wide choice of cuisine, and specialises in Cumbrian produce from local suppliers. Also offering a good choice of real ales, this café-bar is one of the best in the region.
3.Horse and Farrier Inn, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4SQ. Tel: 017687 79688. The Horse and Farrier is situated 4 miles east of Keswick, and enjoys a spectacular location. Many walking routes start at Threlkeld, and this traditional old pub offers a choice of award-winning local dishes, plus a range of real ales.
4.The Highwayman, Burrow, Nr Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire, LA6 2RJ. Tel: 01524 273338. The Highwayman is popular with visitors and locals, and is located in Burrow, amid beautiful scenery. This 18th Century inn is an award-winning gastro-pub with authentic flagstone floors and traditional interiors. This former coaching inn is steeped in history, and offers local food and real ales.
5.The Sycamore Tree, 40/42 Bridge Street, Longtown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 5UD. Tel: 01228 791919. The Sycamore is a café during the daytime and a bistro at night. Specialising in home-cooked Cumbrian recipes, this is the perfect place to stop off after a tour of Carlisle.
6.Watermill Inn and Brewery, Ings, near Windermere, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PY. Tel: 01539 821309. The Watermill is a family-run inn close to Windermere, which enjoys one of the most scenic locations in the area. Home-cooked food and a range of real ales make this one of the most popular pubs in the region.
7.Kirkstile Inn, Loweswater, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 ORU. Tel: 01900 85219. This stunning old inn is located between Loweswater and Crummock Water, and serves a wide range of local food. The lamb is a particular speciality, and the Kirkstile is popular with locals and tourists. Sample the real ales or a choice of guest beers.
8.The Punchbowl Inn, Crosthwaite, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 8HR. Tel: 015395 68237. The Punchbowl is a traditional old inn, which was voted Pub of the Year by the Michelin Pub Guide in 2009. Combining the very best of old and new, the pub now offers sumptuous accommodation, a restaurant and bar menu and a wide range of delicious Cumbrian dishes and real ales. Log fires in winter and outside seating in summer, make this the perfect year-round pub.
9.The Yanwath Gate Inn, Yanwath, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2LF. Tel: 01768 862386. The name derives from the Yanwath toll gate. Visitors can enjoy a pint or a meal in the beautiful gardens during the summer. The Yanwath also offers a great choice of real ales and delicious bar meals.
10.Zeffirellis, Milans Park, Compston Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9AD. Tel: 015394 33845. Zeffirellis is a café, pub and cinema. For an eating experience with a difference, Zeffirellis also hosts live jazz music and a cinema to keep guests entertained during the evenings. Offering informal dining in one of the most picturesque parts of the Lake District, Zeffirellis comes highly recommended.
Whether you are staying in Windermere, Coniston, Grasmere or any other part of the Lake District, you won´t be far from a wide choice of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés, and even if you tried a different one every day, you would still be spoilt for choice when you next visit.
