Food & Drink
There are so many places to eat and drink in our part of Cumbria alone that it's hard to know where to start. But you could begin on the doorstep at the Derby Arms. The Derby Arms is an Ainscough pub, celebrated for its food. It has been recommended in the Michelin Pub Guide for 2014 and has won the 'Pub of the Season' award from CAMRA.
Close by in Grange Over Sands the award winning Hazlemere café and bakery has gazillions of flavours of tea and cake. Meanwhile, just around the corner, Higginsons of Grange sells the best pies in Cumbria, if not the world.
Cartmel is famous for the Michelin starred L' Enclume. But you might not know that chef extraordinaire Simon Rogan now has two other restaurants in the village; Rogan and Company and the Pig & Whistle. Simon's USP is that he sources almost all of his food locally or grows it himself. In the main square you can buy the world famous Cartmel sticky toffee pudding at Cartmel Village Shop. Speaking of unique puddings, don't forget to buy some Grasmere Gingerbread while you are in The Lakes, and some Kendal Mintcake in…you guessed it.. Kendal.
Another great pub is the Masons Arms at Strawberry Bank, near Cartmel, serving traditional local dishes in front of a real fire.
Sizergh Barn Tea Room sells delicious lunches or you can buy a picnic from its shop and deli. There's a tea shop at Sizergh Castle too.