Taste the Lakes
Cartmel is a Lake District foodie haven, punching above its weight when it comes to culinary options. Further afield there is much to be explored across the whole South Lakes area, from cosy country pubs to cutting edge modern restaurants.
Top dog in Cartmel is undoubtedly L’Enclume, Simon Rogan’s three Michelin starred powerhouse, book early though as there are long waiting lists for the dinner service. For more accessible gastronomy try Michelin starred Rogan & Co, also at the heart of the village.
Cartmel is blessed with a plethora of great pubs and bars. Perhaps the best pub food can be found at The Cavendish Arms, this ancient coaching inn is always busy. The Kings Arms on the The Square, is often the social hub for the village with its front outdoor seating, great food and cask ales. Right next door The Royal Oak is Cartmel’s community pub with a popular riverside beer garden, tasty food and a great beer selection.
Right around the corner you will find buzzing Unsworth’s Yard which packs in an artisan Cheese Shop and deli, a wine shop, Oscar’s Wine Bar, a craft brewery and tearoom, don’t miss the summer live music and pizza in the courtyard. A perennial local favourite, just a few minutes walk from the cottage, is the picturesque Pig & Whistle gastropub with a lovely beer garden. For a brew with a view also try the Uplands Inn on Haggs Lane, just a seven minute walk from the cottage, this cosy pub offers stunning views over to Morecambe Bay and great dining.
Cartmel’s café scene is also thriving, grab a cappuccino at Cartmel Coffee on The Square and watch the world go by. The Mallard Tea Shop offers fantastic homemade sweet and savoury options with great Priory views. Also try Coffee and Stays on the main square for artisan coffee and tasty food. Stop for a delicious ice cream and a coffee at Hales of Cartmel right next door to the Priory. For food on the go Cartmel Food Shed offers delicious hot and cold sandwiches and hot drinks.
In Grange try At Home next to famous Higginsons butchers and quirky Austeria Italia, both great for people watching. Try the cafes on Grange promenade for amazing views over the sands to Arnside and Silverdale, the elegant Hazelmere close to Grange station (to see and be seen) and busy Café Grange round the corner.
Elsewhere in the Lake District
You can find yet more Michelin dining at Heft in nearby Newton-in-Cartmel nestled under the fell tops. For fantastic Lake District cosy pubs try: the atmospheric Mason’s Arms and beautifully renovated Hare & Hounds in Bowland Bridge, the Black Labrador in Underbarrow, Punchbowl in Crosthwaite and the Pheasant in nearby Allithwaite. Also not to be missed is Gilpin Spice, bringing stunning Asian flavours to the beautiful Lyth valley.
The Swan at Newby Bridge is a recently refurbished Lake District icon offering pub, restaurant and spa facilities. Nearby is The Lakeside Hotel, a beautiful hotel and spa on the shores of Windermere, great for lake view summer lunches on the terrace.
Some of our favourite café options include: the outstanding Bluebird Café right on the shore of Coniston Water, the Jetty Museum and café in Windermere for unrivalled views, and the highly popular Beetham Nurseries café, with great cakes!