Coniston Food Blog – Where to Eat
Coniston Food Blog – Where to Eat
Nothing makes you hungrier than a day spent roaming the fells. Fresh air, exercise and adventure are all guaranteed to combine to give you the heartiest of appetites. For a modestly sized village Coniston has a broad range of food offerings to satisfy even the most ravenous of post-ramble cravings. There is also an abundance of cafés, perfect for a pre-fell, carb-loading breakfast, for afternoon respites or simply as an excuse to stop, relax, and eat cake (as if such an excuse is ever needed).
From traditional pubs with roaring fires to modern bistros offering contemporary menus and from charming lakeside cafes to convenient village centre takeaways a break in Coniston will leave you spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. Here are a few of our favourites.
Steam Bistro
This friendly and relaxed bistro offers delicious food with a focus on seasonal, local produce served within a casual setting. Their cosy dining room provides a welcoming ambience whilst you experience their mouth-watering Cumbrian cuisine. Their menu changes regularly to make the very best of what’s in season so every visit to Steam offers new opportunities for gastronomical discoveries. Be sure to book in advance as this popular spot gets extremely busy!
Coppermines Recommends: Anything and everything!
(If you’re staying with us in one of our cottages then don’t forget to call into our office for your voucher offering 10% off a three-course meal!)
Bluebird Café
Uniquely positioned on the shores of the lake, Coniston’s Bluebird Café offers a comprehensive menu featuring freshly made sandwiches and cakes as well as hot breakfasts and lunches. The café’s covered and heated terrace allows diners to enjoy the exceptional lakeside location all year round.
Coppermines Recommends: Tea and fresh scones on the terrace for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Herdwicks Café
Herdwicks Café and Bistro sits nestled at the foot of the fells and serves local beef and Herdwick lamb alongside light meals, sandwiches, cakes and snacks. Open from breakfast through to lunch and late afternoon Herdwicks offers quality, locally produced food in a beautiful setting. The café is dog-friendly too so what better way to round off a walk with your four-legged friend than a visit to Herdwicks for some relaxation and replenishment with your pet.
Coppermines Recommends: The lamb special – the clue is in the name!
(If you’re staying with us in one of our cottages then don’t forget to call into our office for your Herdwicks discount voucher!)
Black Bull
A traditional Lakeland pub with cosy fires, oak beams and a menu featuring fresh, local food and a “catch of the day” delivered each morning. This family-run, family friendly (and dog-friendly) pub is located in the very heart of Coniston and is just a few minutes’ walk from many of our Coniston cottages and has ample dining space with meals served in the large bar or adjacent dining room and the generous portions are just the ticket after a day’s adventuring. The Black Bull is well-known for its real ales, brewed on the premises and laying claim to many awards since winning the ‘Champion Beer of Great Britain’ for their famous Bluebird Bitter.
Coppermines Recommends: Fish, chips and a pint of Bluebird.
The Terrace at Brantwood
The Terrace is situated within what used to be the coach house of the historic Brantwood – the former home of John Ruskin. The Terrace offers the opportunity to sit back and relax amongst the very views that inspired some of Ruskin’s finest art and writing. The menu features seasonal dishes including hot lunches, salads, cakes and scones alongside barista coffee and tea, a range of local beers, cocktails, and gins. Lunch on this idyllic terrace while you soak up the spectacular views of Coniston Water and the Old Man, surrounded by many varieties of friendly finches, robins and house martins is food for the soul as well the body.
Coppermines Recommends: Summer Evening BBQs – from 27th June and throughout summer.
Wilsons Arms, Torver
Located in Torver, near to our Puzzle, High Park and No. 3 Wilsons cottages, the Wilson’s Arms serve fresh, local food in its dining room, dog-friendly bar and heated beer garden. Nestled at the foot of Dow Crag and the Old Man of Coniston, the pub is ideally situated as a place to rest, relax and refuel after a glorious day spent walking. Their generous portion sizes and varied menu featuring quality local produce make it a great choice for a lazy lunch or evening meal.
Coppermines Recommends: For post-mountain recovery, we heartily recommend the Stacked Local Beef Burger.
The Green Housekeeper Café
If you’re looking for an excellent cooked breakfast to set you up for a full day’s activities then look no further than this brilliant little café. This charming village eatery also serves a delicious range of home-cooked, local food including soups, toasties, cakes and scones with portion sizes guaranteed to keep you walking, cycling, exploring (or whatever your Lake District activity of choice may be) all day long!
Coppermines Recommends. Homemade soup and Welsh rarebit.
Sara’s Indian
Sometimes nothing but a curry will do and if you’re craving something spicy then Sara’s Indian in the centre of the village has a wide selection of zesty dishes to satisfy those fiery cravings. The restaurant provides dining for up to 60 people and also offers a speedy takeaway service, perfect for a cosy night in when the day’s adventures have left you too tired to cook! All you need do is pick up your takeaway and a cold bottle of whatever takes your fancy and put your feet up in front of your roaring fire: holiday perfection.
Coppermines Recommends: Tasty take-away to eat in your cottage.
Our Plaice
Every self-respecting town and village has a good Chippy and Coniston is no exception. And for many a holiday simply isn’t complete with a visit to the local Fish and Chip shop. Our Plaice, centrally located at the head of Lake Road, serves good-old, traditional Fish and Chips, for a convenient and tasty meal to eat in your own cottage, by the lake – or wherever takes your fancy!
Coppermines Recommends: Fish and chips (of course) and curry sauce!
Other Noteworthy Places to Eat in Coniston
The Crown Inn: Extensive menu featuring local produce, served all day. The Crown Inn
The Ship Inn: Home-cooked British dishes served in a traditional pub setting. The Ship Inn
The Yewdale Inn: A comprehensive menu is served throughout the day from their Y Café and À La Carte Restaurant The Yewdale Inn
