Looking for fantastic cafes in the Lake District and Cumbria? Well, you’re in the right place. From relaxed brunches with friends to post-hike coffee and cake pit stops, there are countless places to eat in Cumbria that are sure to satisfy your cravings for delicious food and a cosy ambience.
In this blog, we have listed 8 delightful cafes in the Lake District and Cumbria which are well worth visiting including the county’s most popular spots and its’ hidden gems. So, no matter where you are in Cumbria, you are never far from delicious food and refreshments to fuel your adventures.
Located in Keswick town centre, Merienda offers a relaxed and comfortable dog-friendly space to catch up with friends or replenish your energy after a day of walking in the Cumbrian fells. With daytime menus and evening menus boasting delicious artisan coffees, delectable cakes and tasty daily specials, this café in Keswick is the perfect setting to relax, recharge and indulge in fantastic food made from fresh local ingredients.
An award-winning café in Windermere in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Homeground Coffee and Kitchen is probably best known for its unbeatable brunch menu. Visitors and locals alike will tell you this is a must visit place to eat in Windermere and there is often a queue out the door indicating just how popular this place is. It serves great food and coffee which is definitely worth the wait if you are visiting the area.
Sitting next to the River Brathay at Skelwith Bridge, near Ambleside, Chesters By The River is a relaxed, modern café and the perfect spot for lunch in the Lake District. Chesters By The River’s menu is completely vegan, serving up a selection of sweet and savoury pastries, wood fired pizzas and classic cakes. A visit to this Ambleside café would pair wonderfully with a walk up the delightful river path to the impressive Skelwith Force waterfall and up to Elterwater Lake.
Mathilde’s Café at the Heaten Cooper Studio in Grasmere is a lovely spot for lunch in the Lake District. Named after Mathilde Marie Valentinsen, a country girl from Norway, who stole the heart of acclaimed artist Alfred Heaten Cooper, the menu at this Grasmere café is inspired by simply and tasty Scandinavian food culture. From homemade Scandinavian inspired cakes to flavourful specials, there is always something exciting to discover at Mathilde’s Café, Grasmere.
Set in the grounds of a tranquil country estate in Portinscale, just outside of Keswick and on the western shore of Derwentwater, the Lingholm Kitchen has quickly become a popular destination for breakfast, lunch and Afternoon Tea in Cumbria. Serving a range of artisan coffees from local Cumbrian roasters and locally sourced foods alongside artisan breads and cakes which are all made in the adjoining Lingholm Bakery, The Lingholm Kitchen will not disappoint.
Situated just 15 minutes from Penrith, Granny Dowbekin’s tearoom resides at the head of Ullswater lake. Granny Dowbekin’s provides a relaxed family-friendly setting and has been serving guests in its riverside setting overlooking the River Eamont and Ullswater since 1904. Serving homemade scones, cakes, quiches and pies baked fresh everyday with local Cumbrian ingredients, Granny Dowbekins café is one of the most delightful places to eat near penrith.
Residing in the market town of Kendal, famously referred to as the ‘southern gateway to the Lake District’, Brew Brothers is a popular independent coffee house offering specialty coffees and teas, scrumptious homemade cakes and innovative brunch/lunch menus. From light lunch options to homemade burgers, Brew Brothers’ tasty menu caters to every palate. Brew Brothers charming ambience and delicious menus make it a stand out among the many fantastic cafes in Kendal.
Offering a quintessential taste of the regions finest produce, Shill’s is more than just a café but a hub for the local community of Cockermouth in Cumbria. Here you will discover an abundance of locally sourced delicacies and a cosy café setting to enjoy a meal, explore their lovely deli or indulge in a glass of wine. Shill’s menu and extensive wine selection has something to satisfy every taste and is a must visit if you are in search of places to eat in Cockermouth.
Located in the Cumbrian market town of Ulverston, Poppies Café & Bistro is a firm favourite among locals and visitors of Ulverston. Offering a homely atmosphere and wide range of fantastic food and drink, all of which has been responsibly sourced to support local suppliers and businesses, Poppie’s Café Ulverston have a tempting day-time menu that changes daily. They also offer an evening menu, utilising fresh local ingredients, every Friday and Saturday from 6pm-8pm.
The Bluebird Café, Coniston, is a bright and modern dog-friendly café located on the northwestern edge of Coniston water in the southern Lake District. Serving up a wide menu of fresh food, cakes and hot drinks this Coniston coffee shop is not one to miss and is perfect for a post-hike coffee or bite to eat. It looks out over Coniston Water and you can hire motor boats, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards from the Coniston Boating Centre just next door.
That brings us to the end of our round up of 8 cafes in Cumbria and the Lake District that you absolutely must visit.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
3rd Floor
Broadacre House
16-20 Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DA
0845 226 00 40
©Cumbria Chamber of Commerce 2023 | By: We Are Digital
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