Bracken Howe is fortunate to have many lovely restaurants and cafes within an easy walk of the house. The lists below include some of our personal favourites. We hope you enjoy exploring them too! Please note, many restaurants stop serving by 8 or 9pm and at busy times may get fully-booked, so please consider making reservations ahead of your stay.
Michelin starred restaurant showcasing the food and cultural heritage of Cumbria. Once the workplace of Wordsworth and his father. Advance booking is compulsory, although they also operate a waiting list which we’ve successfully secured tables through.
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Nordic décor meets the Lake District. A focus on exceptional quality produce, mainly from the Lakes with influences from further afield. Michelin star awarded in 2024. We’ve celebrated many birthdays and special occasions here. Must book in advance.
The latest restaurant from Ryan Blackburn of the Old Stamp House opened in late 2024. A small plates concept. More casual than the Old Stamp House.
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Great Thai food and friendly service. Helpfully it is also open later than most other restaurants in Ambleside.
Mexican style tapas menu, with craft beer and cocktails.
Popular and friendly Italian restaurant with a 'no reservations' policy.
British cuisine with some outside tables. Serves Sunday lunch too.
Possibly our favourite cafe in Ambleside for brunch or lunch, as well as coffee, tea and cakes. Located just a short distance away from Stock Ghyll Force so a bit of an uphill walk to get there but the views from the terrace are spectacular. Car parking is also available (remember to log your car reg number at the entrance to avoid a parking fine!).
Copper Pot Café on Church Street offers great breakfasts and cakes. Another of our favourite cafes in Ambleside.
Famous for their spiced apple pies. The café is behind the bakery shop which stocks a variety of delicious breads, pastries and cakes.
Vietnamese style coffee shop with a short and tasty food menu including homemade bao buns, curry puffs and Singapore noodles.
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This is a traditional, characterful pub. Good beer. Open fires in winter. But no food menu.
Popular with students, serves good beer and pub food.
Slightly outside Ambleside at Waterhead, sitting right on the northern shore of Lake Windermere. Serves food, and offers many outdoor tables within a few feet of the lake’s edge.
Michelin starred restaurant - locally sourced tasting menu in the hotel of the same name.
An eclectic family-run local gem serving globally inspired food. Miso caramel fillet steak is a must order for us. Limited opening days, must book in advance.
Restaurant just North of Grasmere. Fantastic seasonal menu inspired by Cumbrian farming. Also known for its huge Sunday lunch sharing boards.
Café serving excellent cake and breakfast. A must visit in Grasmere.
A Nordic inspired cafe in the Heaton Cooper studio. Cakes and food are unique and well worth the stop. Also check out the shop and studio whilst there.