Now, this is one of our all time favourite desserts. Whenever we visit a pub or restaurant for a meal we’ll always tuck into a sticky toffee pudding with custard.
And this Cumbrian village Cartmell has been home to the famous dessert for over 30 years. The small village in the Lake District National Park has made itself reknowned for the tasty treat.
Possibly one of the most famous desserts in the world, the village aren’t claiming to have created the dessert, but are sure willing to stick their name on it.
Credit: Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Co.
The origins of the beloved desserts are hard to pin down, but the tiny village of Cartlmel seems to be the custodian of England’s must famous dessert.
A visit to Cartmel wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, which was been making the dessert since 1984 and has soled in excess of 10 million puddings.
Over 1,000 of the tasty desserts are sold in the shop over the counter every week, which consists of the businesses famous secret sauce.
There are many reasons to visit the Lake District, its stunning scenery is unmatched, but this has become our main reason for our next trip. And, we feel its’ as good as any
Credit: Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Co.
First developed for the shop by Howard and Jean Johns, who began running the King’s Arms pubin the village square back in 1971, and then took over the Cartmel Village shop in 1989 where the dessert began its journey.
The dessert can by found in supermarkets and other shops across the oucntry now, but there is nothing like going to the source and if you’d like an unmatched sticky toffee pudding, make sure you pay a visit to Cartmel village and the Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Company.
If you’re heading to the Lake District anytime soon, whether you’re thinking of taking a hike or looking to explore the lakes and villages we know there is one thing you’ll be looking for and that’s a decent watering whole. We’ve taken the arduos task of searching for the best pubs in the Lake District, from traditional country pubs to Michelin starred venues for you to enjoy on your next visit to the UK’s best national park.
1. The Drunken Duck, Ambleside – best Lake District pubs
Credit: The Drunken Duck Inn
The ye olde pub and inn has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years. It’s a idyllic traditional pub found at the crossroads between Hawkshead and Coniston.
They serve simple lunches and incredible dinners that have influences from across the globe. It serves ales that have been brewed on site and has had the same custodians since 1970s. If you’re a foodie it’s defintely one to add to the list. You can also stay in their boutique bedrooms with terraces that hve fell views. Barngates, Ambleside LA22 0NG
2. The Sun Inn, Ulverston
Credit: The Sun Inn
A newly refurbished grade II listed coaching inn found in Ulverston, The Sun Inn is great whether your there to eat, sleep or just relax with a nice ale or a glass of quality wine. The menu is handpicked by the chef and the pub prides itself on using quality sourced produce from across Cumbria.
You’ll definitely find something you like on their menu for that we are sure. Our favouirte has to be the Lakeland Brewhouse beer battered fish & chips washed down with a local bevvie. The Sun Inn, Ulverston, 6-14 Market St, Ulverston LA12 7AY
3. Wasdale Head Inn, Gosforth
Credit: Wasdale Head Inn
The iconic inn can be found nestled at the base of Scafell Pike, England’s Highest Mountain and next to the shore of Wastwater, England’s deepest lake. So either way you’re in the right place for a drink after a good ol’ hike in the Lakes.
The inn is hope to some fantastic grub they serve all the classic pub favourites that you’d want from a steak and ale pie to a nice juicey steak. Best of all the pub is dog friendly so your pooch can chill whilst you have a well earned rest. They also have accommodation from bed and breakfest to camping perfect for those adventurers out there. Wasdale Head, Gosforth CA20 1EX
4. The Wild Boar, Kendal
Credit: The Wild Boar
The Wild Boar offers up an alternative Northern Tea like you’ve never seen which includes the likes of mini fish and chips, pork scratchings, and pigs in blankets. Found in the Gilpin Valley it is one of the oldest and greatest Windermere Hotels.
Enjoy a great seasonal menu, roaring fires and good selection of ales and wine all served with a smile. You can also watch the chefs cook up your grub with the open kitchen. The name comes from Sir Richard de Gilpib who bravely fought and killed a particularly ferocious wild boar.
The hotel is also a 5 star inn as well as a fantastic gastropub so you can enjoy a snooze after indulging in a northern afternoon tea. Crook Rd, Kendal LA23 3NF
5. Ye Olde Fleece Inn, Kendal
Credit: Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Located in the South Lakes, Ye Olde Fleece dates back to 1654 and is one of the oldest remaining pubs in Kendal. Full of rich history and character the pub has historic timber frames and is a Grade II listed building. The pub is known for its passion for fresh produce and has a menu that reflects this with a ‘moveable feast’ featuring seasonal goods. The pubs food menu features familiar classics recreated with care and attention to detail.
The bar is stocked with a handpicked selection of delicious drinks ready to tantalise your tastebudsa after a hard walk in the hills with tables at the bar in the lound and pub areas to enjoy a friendly welcoming environment. 14 Highgate, Kendal LA9 4SX
6. The Blacksmith’s Arms, Broughton-in-Furness
Credit: Blacksmiths Arms
One of the best Lake District pubs has to be The Black Smith arms has been welcoming guests for over 300 years with its relaxed and warm welcome. The Lakeland pub has a great reuptation for quality food and drink all served inside the quaint historic interiot with the owners staying true to the Lakeland areas heritage whislt adding contemporary offerings also.
The pub celebrates a unique tradition the first Saturday in November every three years named the Walna Scar Shepherds Meet, which has been taking place for over 100 years. Fell Farmers would meet to exchange sheep that had strayed, but today farmers bring their sheep to be judged on the field opposite the pub. Afterwards there is a hotpot and plenty of beer and singing. Broughton Mills, Broughton-in-Furness LA20 6AX
7. The George and Dragon
Credit: George And Dragon
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
The George and Dragon’s estate on which it sits has been producing food for over 800 years and has a real farm to fork ethos with as much of the produce used reared here right on the pubs doorstep. Sustainable, simple and tasty food is the aim with fresh seasonal produce from within 20 miles of the pub served with a great pint, wine or spirit.
The pub offers people an experience of the heritage in the area. As well as enjoying food cooked from the gardens and locally you can stay in the heart of the Lowther estate just down the road from Askham Hall right on the doorstep of history. Clifton, Penrith CA10 2ER
8. Masons Arms, Cartmel
Located in the peaceful countryside awat from the honeypot areas of the Lake District, Masons Arms is a quaint pub that serves a decent pint as well as a menu full of locally sourced produce used to create seasonal dishes. The pub itself is a 16-century inn and is full of character. When you visit be sure to dry their famous ribs that are meant to be melt in your mouth good.
They’re also newly-refurbished with two-holiday cottages and five bedrooms in a traditional Cumbrian Inn, make us the perfect base for exploring the Lake District. Strawberry Bank, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6NW
9. The Black Bull Inn, Coniston
Credit: The Black Bull Inn
Found int he shadow of the ‘Old Man’ mountain, it serves up a range of Coniston Brewing Company ales which sits next door, so you know you’re getting real quality ales. Along with the beer, they serve up a range of whiskies, ciders and other drinks to be enjoyed in the quaint countryside pub. They’re perfectly situated for a visit after working upa sweat hiking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.
Built around 400 years ago the pub is full of character and also has a range of rooms for you to stay in and plenty of top notch hearty grub to enjoy with your beers. 1 Yewdale Rd, Coniston LA21 8DU
10. The Flying Pig Inn, Lakeland
Credit: The Flying Pig Inn
Offering up seasonal grub made using the freshest of ingredients, this family friendly pub is a top pick next time you’re visiting the area. They also serve up a range of local beers and wines from around the world. It’s contemporary interior with a real fire offers a relaxed atmosphere that you’d expecct from a traditional pub.
Close to a range of popular walking routes it’s the perfect place to fuel up after a hard days trekkign in the fells in the Lake District. Whether that’s a three-course meal or just a snack with your drink. Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BZ
11. The Woolpack Inn, Boot
Credit: The Woolpack Inn
Positioned at the top of the incredible Eskdale valley, the Wooldpack Inn is full of charm and character that you’d expect for a country inn. It’s perfectly sitiated to enjoy some great food after tackling some of the highest peaks in the Lakes. You can enjoy tapas, wood-fired pizzas along with traditional pub classics such as burgers and pies. The imxture of contemporary and traditional pub vibes is done to perfection and is a real treat after you’ve slogged it out on the fells of the Lakes.
It’s known as one of the Lake Distritcs most historic inns and has a range of rooms where you can rest up comeplte with ensuites and all the little amenities you’d expect of such a place. Woolpack Inn, Boot, Holmrook CA19 1TH
12. Hole in t’ Wall
Credit: Hole in t’ Wall
Established back in 1612, this pub is the oldest in Bowness, and with this accolade comes the character and charm you’d expect from a traditional pub. The pub, which isone of the Best Lake District pubs, attracts locals and visits to its warm with wood beams and open fires that modern day venues can only dream of.
On tap is a range of award-winning real ales, and the bar serves wine and sprits including Lakes Gin a locally distilled tipple that you have to try. They also serve incredible homemade meat pies, jacket potoates and sandwiches as well as other traditional pub classics. Robinson Pl, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3DH
A stone’s throw from the home of famous children’s writer Beatrix Potter, the Lake District Inn welcomes you with a warm fire before serving up real ales and locally sourced produce such as their incredible Steak & Flakebridge Cheese Pie or the sausages for our Cumbrian Breakfast.
Wether you’re just popping in for a pint or staying in one of the 14 en suite bedrooms the pup offers a warm and friendly welcome for travellers and locals alike. Far Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LQ
14. The Queens Head, Troutbeck
Credit: The Queens Head
The Queen’s head is cosy pub found in Lakeland, they take great pride in the food they produce making sure they’re serving up fullfilling meals that the freshest ingredients from around the area. Nestled in the fells of the Troutbeck Valley, this is one of the best Lake District pubs where you can enjoy a range of real ales and comforting food in a beatiful country setting.
They also have a range of stylish and comfy rooms with some dog friendly ones for you to choose from. Town Head, Troutbeck, Windermere LA23 1PW
15. Kirkstille Inn, Cockermouth
Credit: Kirkstille Inn
This little gem can be found near Lowewater one of the Lake District’s lesser-known bodies of water. They have brilliant views straight up the summit of Melbreak, the local peak which is great on a clear day. Inside, you can enjoy the low-beamed bar giving it that country feel. The pub serves up hearty meals and a range of award-winning ales on tap made from the outbuilding brewery. Loweswater, Cockermouth CA13 0RU
16. The Flying Fleece, Ambleside
Credit: The Flying Fleece
Offering the finest and freshest local ingredients, The Flying Fleece, one of the best lake district pubs, serves up delicious pub meals for you and your family. Along with the lovely grub you can enjoy award-winning local ales, fine wines and views onto the famous Bridge House. Nearby are a range of lcal walking routes which you can do to work up an appetite. Rydal Rd, Ambleside LA22 9AN
17. The Plough at Lupton
Credit: The Plough at Lupton
Just a stone’s thow awat fomr incredible scenic viws, The Plough is situared so you can visit a range of beautiful spots includes the Dales, Forest of Bowland and of course if you head north from the pub you’ll be deep ito the Lakes. They serve a range of food as well as real ales for you to sup after a good hike whether you’re ehart desires that day. A65, Cow Brow, Carnforth LA6 1PJ
This teatoom found along the Cumbrian coastline in the town of Silloth has been featured in the prestigious The Times newspaper’s best places to eat on the coast.
The vintage tearoom, The Fairydust Emporium was named ninth in its list of coastal eateries by Cumbrian food writer Grace Dent and TV chef Ainsley Harriot.
Credit: The Fairy Dust Emporium
Writing about Silloth Dent noted that it was the place to go for “an enormous hot chocolate and a fat slice of cake.
Dent spent her childhood in the classic seaside town which she notes has a “village green, a maze and a penny arcade” so it’s easy to see how the Fairy Dust Emporium and its clasic vintage tearoom vibes fir into her 1030s idealised vision of the seaside town.
Known for serving up an ever changing menu of wonderful food & drink offerings including impressive hot chocolates, jacket potatoes, filled paninis, ice sundaes, homemade cakes and a fantastic afternoon teamthe vintage tearoom is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
It’s not only the food that makes The Fairy Dust Emporium magical, the decoration is just as exciting with touches of fairy dust, rainbows and a mystical forest mixed with a classic vintage British vibe the place is a great place for families to visit.
Credit: The Fairy Dust Emporium
They’re also Dog Friendly offering water and treats to your puppers when they visit as well as featuring you pooches on their social channels. We can feel the love already.
The North of England has caught up with its Southern counterparts with a restaurant awarded the North’s first three Michelin star restaurant.
L’Enclume in the Lake District is the first venue outside of London and Bray, Reading in the 49 years that the Michelin guide has been running to receive three stars.
Credit: L’Enclume
Chef Simon Rogan’s flagship venue is located in Cartmel, Lake District. It was given the third star due to “its sublime cooking, which never stops evolving… Simon Rogan’s dishes linger long in the memory”.
L’Enclume, which was awarded its first Michelin star in 2005 and second in 2013, sits lakeside in the most idyllic spot in the country and make sure every dish matches the beautiful scenery with its presentation and offers guests the opportunity to pair wines with its impressive 14-course tasting menu.
Credit: L’Enclume
Speaking about the third star Simon said he and his team will be “celebrating this week for a long time to come”.
He continued: “Following the win of our second star nine years ago, achieving a third star has always been front of mind and something we’ve been striving for every day.
“Be it through the evolution of our dishes and honing of our service-style, the meticulous work undertaken on Our Farm, or how we work to make every one of our guests feel, from when they enter the restaurant to the moment they leave.
“We might have grown our operation over the past two decades, but we’ve remained true to our core ethos and maintained the close-knit community feel amongst our team, whilst all this time proudly remaining as an independent restaurant group.”
Credit: L’Enclume
L’Enclume, the former blacksmith’s workshop is a former blacksmiths workshop, gave a nob to its heritage taking its name from the French word for anvil, traditionally found in a blacksmiths workshop and the restaurant’s emblem.
As well as the restaurant the venue offers 16 bedrooms scattered around Cartmel Village. Guests are able to book a two-night package and experience a meal at two of Simon’s restaurants.
When we think of an Afternoon Tea, our minds immediately jump to pretentious little finger sandwiches stuffed with unnecessary ingredients, with fancy little cakes carefully stacked up onto a ghastly floral cake stand. But transforming the occasion for proper Northerners like ourselves, The Wild Boar in Windermere have reinvented the traditional mealtime, making it much more accessible for normal people who like normal food – with not a single finger sandwich in sight (thank God!).
Combining all the beige grub we could ever dream of, the cosy hotel and restaurant has collated an incredible menu that’s perfect for an afternoon munch – and it’s literally a Northerner’s dream.
Credit: The Wild Boar
Consisting of alllll the good stuff including pigs in blankets, fish and chips, pork pies and Yorkshire puddings (to name just a few!), the three-tiered Afternoon Tea is ideal after a day of exploring the gorgeous Lake District – and even includes a Beer bat (consisting of 3 1/3 pints of your choice or a glass of fizz. That’s my kinda fancy.
In addition to all of the savoury goodness mentioned above, there’s a little something to fulfil the sweet tooth, too, including brownies, scones and seasonal fruit tarts. Yum.
Available to order every day of the week, the genius menu offering costs just £25 per person, with a veggie version also available for those who prefer things meat-free.
To find out more about The Wild Boar Afternoon Tea or to book your table next time you’re around the Lake District, head to their website here.
Lakes Life 