Here is a brief run-down of our top suggestions of places dine at to truly tickle your tastebuds within a 30-minute drive from Rose Cottage…
The star attraction for local food in our opinion is the Queens Head Inn two doors from Rose Cottage in Tirril. It really is marvellous. It’s a family-friendly pub that serves great, locally-sourced pub food and it has a great selection of local beer and gin. We recommend reserving a table on weekends as it can get very busy, particularly in holiday periods. The roaring fire in the colder months is hard to beat in the bar, a lovely restaurant spread over two rooms, a back bar with pool table and tv’s.
Granny Dowbekins is our favourite local café, in Pooley Bridge just next to the bridge before the main car park. It’s an excellent spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea or any type of coffee and cake treat. The Welsh Rarebit is one of the best brunch options on the planet. There’s plenty of outdoor seating by the river for when the weather is fine, and an extension on the riverside so don’t assume it’s full if you peek through the windows – there’s more!
Askham Hall is home to the acclaimed Askham Hall Restaurant, which celebrated being awarded a Michelin Star in October 2019 and really is a special dining experience. You can find out more on their website, but they do a 6-course tasting menu on weekends which is fantastic. Reservations recommended. This group also own the Queens Head pub in Askham, which is a fantastic place to eat all year round. Check their website for details.
The Brackenrigg Inn on the road between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding is great pub and restaurant with views over Ullswater for lunch or dinner.
The Art Deco Haweswater Hotel has become one of our favourite places for lunch (one man cycles there, we drive to meet for lunch then a walk). In January 2023 they relaunched their restaurant to offer tasting menus and more; we’ve yet to try the new look but it sounds exciting and well worth booking ahead for a visit.
Another Place is also off the road between Pooley Bridge and Glenridding and has a great ‘swim and dine’ package, where you can access their spa facilities followed by dinner in the restaurant. They also do SUP hire. More information is available on their website and again reservations are recommended.
These are just the highlights, however when you’re branching out in your explorations around Ullswater lake there are lots of other options including:
· Pooley Bridge for a nice selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants to choose from
· The Howtown Hotel has a great sandwich selection (at the foot of Hallin Fell)
· The famous Inn on the Lake at Glenridding is well photographed for good reason
· The Helvellyn Kitchen in Glenridding is also a lovely café.
Please note, for all suggestions made here you may wish to call ahead before travel to check seasonal opening hours or to make a reservation.