Whether you’re packing up a picnic for a hike, searching for a boozy lunch or a dinner with the family, Ambleside is well equipped to satisfy every occasion.
For adventurous palettes, challenge yourself to a spicy Mexican or Thai meal. you’re looking for a Sunday Roast? Look no further than a traditional Lakeland pub. Treating someone special? How about a Michel star eatery. Or grab a tasty pie, satisfying sandwich and indulgent cake from a number or irresistible delis, cafes, and bakeries.
Restaurants
- Zefferellis
Located on Ambleside high street, this award-winning food and music venue has been serving up delicious pizza and pasta dishes to locals for four decades. Enjoy a unique experience in the jazz bar, or a lunch time treat in the daytime café. Enjoy Italian classics including Caponata Penne, Squash Rissoto and a Spinach Ravioli as well as a full pizza menu.
- Taco Del Sol
Authentic Mexican Street food dished up using fresh, locally sourced produce. Pop in for a delicious burrito, incredible tacos, or irresistible quesadillas. Don’t forget the tequila! Seated is limited so be prepared to wait or take away.
- Lucy’s On A Plate
Delicious, relaxed dining at its finest, located in central Ambleside. With their range of quirky dishes including ‘Very berry Bambi’, ‘All about the Bass’ and ‘I spy Ribeye’. Perfect for visiting with the family, Lucy’s have something for everyone, with many vegetarian and vegan options. Be wined, dined, and entertained by this unique and welcoming local favourite.
- Doi Intanon
Offering up something a little different, this stunning restaurant offers authentic Thai food. Eat in or take away and enjoy dishes such as Pad Thai, Gaeng Panang and Tom Yum. The menu also offers a set meal for two or four, so you can enjoy the chefs’ recommendations. A great place to visit for vegetarians and vegans, with most dishes being adapted with vegetables and tofu.
- The Old Stamp House
One of Ambleside’s Michelin Star restaurants, this quirky, underground eatery offers a unique experience you won’t forget. The building itself was once the office of William Wordsworth. The menu is inspired by the local landscape, and the towns history of trading creates a surprisingly eclectic dishes mixing local produce with exotic ingredients. The multi-course tasting menu includes plates such as Seaweed cured Trout, Herdwick Hogget and Rum Gelato.
Bars & Pubs
- The Unicorn
Known as the oldest pub in Ambleside, this Lakeland hideaway offers real ales and hearty grub for anyone seeking a post-hike hide out or solace on a blustery day. With live music once a week and traditional Cumbrian dishes, The Unicorn is the perfect place to while away an evening with good company and great ale.
- The Priest Hole
Visit one of the oldest buildings in Ambleside and enjoy a traditional Cumbrian menu. Perfect for those visiting with their four-legged friends or seeking a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a pint of local ale. Open for both lunch and dinner, with mains including Game Casserole, North Sea Cod and Lentil Cottage Pie. Sundays are saved for Roasts, choose from Beef, Lamp, Roast Ham, and Vege Wellington.
- The Golden Rule
A pub like no other and local favourite, here you’ll find a laid back, everyone’s welcome atmosphere. The pub is oozing with history, with low wooden beams, cosy fireplaces, and tiny nooks to hide away in – you might find yourself drinking beer in a broom cupboard!
- The Badger Bar
Although, not centrally located in Ambleside, this exceptional pub is well worth a visit. Perched on the edge of Rydal Water, enjoy the unmatched atmosphere or this cosy, Lakeland hideaway with dark wood beams, and a slate backed beer-garden. Serving up Sunday roasts and classic favourites, alongside a delicious selection of local ales. Sit back, relax, and watch the live-stream badger set cameras each evening!
Cafés
- Rattle Ghyll Fine Food & Deli
Located in central Ambleside, Rattle Ghyll is a local favourite. Perfect for stocking up on local produce or preparing for a picnic. Offering takeaway only, this delightful little deli serves up irresistible salads, fresh soups, and homemade sourdough sandwiches.
- The Apple Pie Bakery
Renowned for the best apple pie in the area, The Apple Pie has been serving up irresistible cakes and bakes for over 50 years. With its gorgeous shop front teaming with tempting treats, it’s always worth stopping to pick up a couple of bath buns and a sweet pie for the family.
- Copper Pot Café
Popular for their ‘perfect breakfasts and cosy atmosphere’, a visit to Copper Pot Café is well worth making time for. Offering a wide range of lunches including sweet waffles, traditional full English’s, wild boar burgers, and ‘naughty chips.’ The whole family will find something to tickle their tastebuds. There is also a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Great North Pie Co
Is it really a trip to Ambleside without treating yourself to a good pie. Hand crafted using locally sourced ingredients, Great North Pie Co provide a traditional pie experience – just the way it should be. Enjoy with mash and peas- you’re welcome.
Image by Brenan Greene @ Unsplash