The Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to be for a taste sensation. Our landscapes may be famed for their natural beauty, but our food and drink scene more than matches them. We’ve got cosy country pubs, welcoming cafes, afternoon tea with a view, fine dining restaurants, street food stalls, and so much more. Join us and discover for yourself why the Lake District, Cumbria, is the perfect place to eat and drink.

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1. Local Specialties

Ever heard of Cumberland sausage, Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, or Kendal mint cake? They’re just a few of the local specialties our area is famous for! There’s also Grasmere Gingerbread®, Morecambe Bay shrimps, and so much more. Discover our iconic local dishes at eateries across the county, and pick some up to take home with you.

Tip: planning for Christmas? Shop our Virtual Christmas Market, packed with delicious local food and drink gifts.

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2. Home to the (Michelin) Stars

Did you know? Here in Cumbria, we’ve got the most Michelin stars per county north of London! With 13 Michelin stars across 11 restaurants, this is the perfect place for fine dining and creative cuisine. We’ve also got the only three-star restaurant outside of London and the southeast: L’Enclume, which was awarded its third star in 2022. Head off on a culinary journey across the Lakes with tasting menus and wine pairings to match.

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3. We keep our food miles low

There’s an abundance of local produce to be found in eateries across the area, with food miles kept to a minimum thanks to the plentiful ingredients available on our doorstep. Ethically reared meat, catch of the day from along the coast, locally brewed beers and gins: eating local is effortless here in the Lake District, Cumbria. It’s not uncommon to see freshly foraged ingredients on the menu, picked from the kitchen garden just metres from your table. 

Photo: Levens Kitchen 

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4. Food with a view

Why not enjoy a stunning view with your meal? This is the Lake District, Cumbria, after all! As well as delicious flavours, you can also enjoy a beautiful location while you sample the local cuisine. Hotels overlooking the lake, pubs at the feet of Wainwrights, cafes in pretty towns and villages, restaurants in an historic city: we’ve got it all.

Photo: The Terrace at Brantwood 

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5. Farmers Markets & Food Festivals

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. They’re held in towns and villages throughout the year, with additional dates throughout the summer months. Then there are our food & drink events – from the World’s Original Marmalade Awards to Christmas markets and Taste Cumbria food festivals.

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6. Lots of dog friendly places to eat & drink

If you’re bringing your pooch with you, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dog friendly places to eat and drink across the area. A large number of eateries are happy to welcome dogs, with some even offering dedicated doggy menus! Check ahead and enjoy a meal with your four legged friend.

Photo: The Inn Collection

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7. Drink local 

We are home to a number of local roasteries, breweries and distilleries, creating everything from spirits and beers to teas and coffees. Many are award-winning, with some unique and creative flavours available. Whatever your taste, there’s sure to be a brew for you – and you can often visit the places they’re made, too.

Photo: The Lakes Distillery at The Rheged Centre

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8. There's something for everyone

Whatever your taste, there’s something for you here in the Lake District, Cumbria. The variety of places to eat and drink means you’re sure to find a new favourite – whether that’s a cosy country pub, a fine dining restaurant, a casual bistro or a welcoming café. All dietary requirements are catered for – there are even a number of fully vegetarian / vegan places to eat.

Photo: Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa

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Amazing prizes for November Food & Drink Month

In November, we’re highlighting our fantastic cuisine with #CumbriaFoodAndDrinkMonth here in the Lake District, Cumbria. To celebrate, there are some amazing prizes up for grabs! Our prize draws are free to enter – check them out here. Good luck!