Baldry’s Tea Room, Grasmere: Lemon Meringue Pie – the very words bring back memories of childhood, when my Mum used to make the most mouth-watering dessert with her own lemon curd and squidgy meringue. I never thought I’d say this but … shhhhh – the LMP at Baldry’s Tea Rooms is possibly even better than my Mum’s. For a quick lunch, their homemade soup is excellent, but you must leave room for a big slice of tart, lemony heaven on a plate. Baldry’s has a vague air of Fin de Siècle France about it, with fancy gilded mirrors and pretty china and the idiosyncratic window display always catches the eye of passing tourists. Whilst you’re in Grasmere, you can see Wordsworth’s grave in ancient St Oswald’s churchyard and wander down to the lake to walk off all that delicious food.
Bridge Cottage Tea Shop, Grange-in Borrowdale: turn off the main road from Keswick to Honister, over the double-arched packhorse bridge, round the corner and there you have a perfect little grey slate cottage. Go through low doorway and find a cosy little table in this small, yet perfectly formed tea shop. There are always plenty of snacks, light meals (my favourite is the simply scrumptious cheese and ham toastie) and drinks to choose from. In the height of summer it’s very busy so be prepared to wait – definitely worth it. Go for a wander beside the clear waters of the River Derwent – there are plenty of pebbles to skim across the water. On your way back make sure you stop off for a walk to Friar’s Crag for one of the best views in the Lake District.
Bridge Cottage Teashop Photo by english-lakes.com
Rattle Gill Café: up a steep lane and round a little bend, alongside Stock Gill water cascade is a vegetarian gem. I sheltered from a rain storm one day and in the snug vegetarian café wolfed down a delicious bowl of vegetable soup (go for the HUNGRY Monkey bowl if you have a big appetite!) with fresh, wholemeal bread and a very fruitful smoothie. The friendly owners will make dishes to order and they have a very tempting children’s menu. Make sure you walk up Stock Gill and wander around Ambleside which, as a popular walking centre, has a large selection of shops stocking everything for the hardy hiker and camping crank.
Poppy Red: Hawkshead is the quaint Cumbrian village famous for Wordsworth’s school, Beatrix Potter’s gallery, its eponymous outdoor clothing shop and tasty relish. There are some excellent little shop and great pubs and the quirky tearoom, Poppi Red – so much more than just a place to get a good cup of tea, coffee or glass of wine. Curious tea pots, quirky plates and a cup cake cornucopia on one side and a jam-packed gift shop on the other. If the weather is fine, grab a table outside, order a drink and watch the world go by …
Low Sizergh Barn Tea Room: one of my absolute favourite places for a cuppa and a cake (en route to the Lake District on the A590 near Kendal), the tea room also has a unique view … over the milking shed. On any day of the week, mid-afternoon you will find little children, noses pressed up against the glass, gazing down on the black and white cows as they placidly line up to get attached to the milking machines.
In this tastefully converted rustic barn there’s always a great selection of home-made meals and delicious bakes to tempt the hungry visitor. Once refreshed you may then be tempted to purchase some locally grown strawberries, a pretty jumper or a wicker basket from the vast selection of crafts, food and gifts in their oh-so-very-enticing Farm Shop.
From Zoë Dawes:
These are just a few of my favourites – there are so many great tea rooms and cafes in Cumbria and many make their own cakes and fresh meals. Well worth searching out the good ones. Do leave your own suggestions here
From Amanda @Adventures All Around:
Oh delicious! Only downside of reading this post.. I’m craving lemon meringue pie and know I won’t be able to find one that good. A plane ticket probably would be going a bit too far…
From Ron Creer:
Since Low Sizergh is not actually in the Lake District, can I add couple of others that aren’t? Old-fashioned Gillam’s in Ulverston, the new Cartmel Coffee, the well-known Hazelmere in Grange and the new Motor Museum Café at Haverthwaite, are super ones from south Cumbria.
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks for your additions Ron. Love the Hazelmere but have not yet been to new Motor Museum – must try it on your recommendation. (I did mention that LSB is on the WAY into the Lake District but couldn’t resist including it!)
From Zoë Dawes:
Well, a tad extreme Amanda but definitely another reason to visit this quirkilicious part of the world!
From D.J. - The World of Deej:
Oh my….you had me at the very first pic:)
From Zoë Dawes:
Ah – the secret of good blogging
And scrumptious food DJ!
From Bret @ Green Global Travel:
I love sweet treats. Due to high blood sugar, I cannot have sweet treats. This post is not my friend…
From Zoë Dawes:
Oh Bret soooo sorry to
Put such temptation your way! Maybe you can just imagine …
From John McKeown:
Just outside the National Park is Gillams in Ulverston. Tea Guild members with tasty organic food in a Victorian setting with a welcoming fire in winter, garden in summer and it’s own deli.
From Zoë Dawes:
Gillams sounds perfect John – thanks for the tip
From Alvina:
Sizergh Barn is a favourite stop of mine too, also good for food and local Can I add Heidi’s in Grassmere – lovely and ‘dog friendly’. Wilf’s in Stavely, good meeting and eating point and they have just opened at Dove Cottage Grassmere.
From Zoë Dawes:
Hadn’t heard of Heidi’s Alvina – always good to get a personal rec. Dog friendly is also a real positive.