Visit Britain Graded
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Copyright © M Thornton
Restaurants and Pubs Around Ambleside
A personal choice of pubs and restaurants around Ambleside, Grasmere and Hawkshead.
Such is the huge popularity of the Lake District now, that you really have to book a table at all good restaurants and pubs well in advance, often the day before. A lot of them are fairly small and will have two sittings, starting from about 6.00 pm.
Hawkshead
The Drunken Duck Inn, Barngates, Hawkshead Tel: 015394 36347. 400 year old pub, with award winning restaurant and a location to die for. 15 minute walk from Oak Apple Barn; a restaurant for a special occasion. Quite pricy, but excellent food and local beers.
The Kings Arms, Main Square, Tel: 015394 36372. 500 year old pub for locals and tourists, very comfortable atmosphere, good food and beer, lovely place. 15 minute stroll from Oak Apple Barn in the centre of Hawkshead.
The Queens Head Hotel, Main Square. Tel: 015394 36271 The pub dates back to the 16th century, and has really good British food. Very much a traditional English pub, just as they used to be! Wonderful. 15 minutes stroll from Oak Apple Barn in the centre of the village.
The Outgate Inn, Outgate. Tel: 015394 36413. Friendly, elegant pub with live music, good food and drinks. Nice long walk from the Barn, but worth it. Lively and well known live jazz every Friday evening. A very nice “local” pub rather than a “tourist” pub.
The Britannia Inn, Elterwater. Although not in Hawkshead, it’s only a 15 minute drive away. Worth a mention, as it’s a really lovely pub for lunches. One of our all time favourites, but does get extremely busy, especially on a warm dry day. Tiny bar area but loads of space outside. Pub quiz on Sunday evenings are good fun.
Ambleside
Doi Intanon, Market Place, Tel: 015394 32119 – excellent Thai cuisine, some of the best we have had! Prices are very reasonable and the staff very friendly and welcoming. Next next to Barclays Bank on te one way system. Booking essential.
The Jade Garden, Compston Road, Tel: 015394 31888 – Chinese eat in or takeaway
Luigi’s, Kelsick Road, Tel: 015394 33676. Cosy, small excellent Italian bistro, intimate. Nice.
Priesthole, Church Street, Tel: 015394 33332. English and Med food. Haven’t tried it yet, but it looks very good! Supposed to be one of the best in Ambleside.
Spice of Bengal, Kelsick Road. Tel: 015394 31250. Good quality Indian food and takeaway
Stampers, Church Street, Tel: 015394 32775. Cosy candlelit cellar restaurant
Tagore, Compston Road, tel: 015394 34346. Good quality Indian food and takeaway
The Log House, Lake Road, Tel: 015394 31077, elegant, fine dining
Zeffirellis Vegetarian, Compston Road, Tel 015394 33845. Even if you are not vegetarian, this place really is special, with an amazing modern atmosphere and excellent food. Definitely have to book. Well worth it! Impossible to get in without reservation.