Restaurants in the Lake District

The Lake District has more good food than it gets credit for. Ambleside and Keswick have the best concentration of independents. The Drunken Duck, The Old Stamp House, and The Cottage in the Wood are the ones that get mentioned when people want a proper meal. Book ahead at weekends.

Village pubs do solid food. Many are walker-friendly with boots and dogs welcome. The bigger hotels (Gilpin, Linthwaite House) have restaurants that are worth the splurge if you're celebrating.

Worth knowing: the busier spots fill up quickly in peak season. Book ahead or eat early. Lunch is often easier than dinner if you're flexible.