A selection of dining options in Lancashire and the Lake District this summer
Blue Smoke on the Bay, Windermere
Low Wood Bay has a fantastic reputation as one of the best Lake District hotels for its choice of facilities and of course its stunning lakeside location on the shores of Windermere.
The centre piece of Blue Smoke on the Bay is the exciting three metre wood-fired grill. Here, the chefs prepare a range of international dishes cooked over hot embers, one of the oldest methods known to create fabulous flavours in aged steaks, meats, fish and vegetables. Sustainable British wood such as elder, birch, oak and on special occasions, olive wood are used to intensify the taste of the food.
The restaurant is open for brunch, lunch and dinner daily and enjoys stunning views out over the lake. All our menus are complemented by a large and diverse wine selection - including 24 by the glass and 15 special wines in magnum.
OPENING TIMES - Brunch: Daily 9 - 11.45 am; Lunch: Monday - Saturday 12 - 2.30pm; Sunday 12 - 3.30pm
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 6 - 9.15 pm; Friday & Saturday 6 - 9.45pm.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LP | 015394 33338 | englishlakes.co.uk/low-wood-bay | reception.lowwood@englishlakes.co.uk
Clock Tower Dining Room, Rochdale
Clock Tower Dining Room is a beautiful, chic modern restaurant situated within Rochdale's fabulous grade I Victorian gothic town hall. The aim has always been to provide the best possible lunch experience. Of course, this includes everything from the service you receive to the food you eat. Ensuring all our dishes are of the best quality, everything we serve is fresh to order. A daily specials board ensures guests always have something a little different to try whilst keeping hearty classics at the forefront.
Able to cater for events and functions on request, call or email for more details.
Frequent events include our Lobster festival running from June 17 - July 17 guests can enjoy a range of fresh lobster dishes - Full Lobster £30pp, Half Lobster £15pp.
OPENING TIMES - Monday - Friday 10am - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AB | 01706 924772 | rochdale.gov.uk/clocktower | townhall.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk
The Estuary, Grange-over-Sands
Grange-over-Sands' newest neighbourhood bistro and bar has only been open a few months but has made a big impact to the casual dining scene in the Edwardian seaside town. Mouthwatering modern tapas style plates and fresh hand stretched pizzas are served alongside classic British dishes, and washed down with stylish prosecco cocktails.
During the day, indulge in some well thought-out sharing plates packed full of great flavour combinations such as tempura tender stem broccoli with chili dip, langoustine arancini and local wild garlic mayo, and pulled pork with chunky apple sauce. Summer house salads are colourful affairs - choose from warm chicken, smoked salmon, halloumi or tempura English asparagus -served with mixed baby leaves, garlic croutons, house dressing, goats curd, olives, and sun blushed tomatoes.
All dietary requirements are catered for and The Estuary is both child and dog friendly with a bar and relaxed snug dining area.
OPENING TIMES - Monday - Wednesday 10am - 9pm, Last orders 7.45pm; Thursday - Sunday 10am - 10pm, Last orders 8.45pm.
Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DY | 015395 33453 | estuary-grange.co.uk | info@estuary-grange.co.uk
The Highwayman, Kirkby Lonsdale
The Highwayman started life as an 18th - century coaching inn, in the perfect position to offer comfort and respite. Thankfully it retains much of its original charm.
The bar which forms the heart of the pub, crammed full of local ales along with a vast array of gins amongst other things. A mix of flagged stone and wood floors, rugs, plants and two open fires make for a cosy, comfortable spot to enjoy a drink and a bite to eat from our freshly prepared menu. You'll find it full of quality ingredients, presented in a modern but unpretentious way. The daily menu has a spine of fresh, classic British dishes complemented by more exotic influences from around the world. We also offer a Gluten Free menu approved by Coeliac UK.
Our Private Dining Room comfortably seats up to 16 people dining or a small gathering of up to 30.
OPENING TIMES - Monday - Saturday 10am - 11pm; Sunday 10am - 10.30pm. Food served Monday - Saturday 12 - 10pm; Sunday 12 - 9.30pm.
Burrow, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lancashire, LA6 2RJ | 01524 273 338 | highwaymaninn.co.uk | highwayman@brunningandprice.co.uk
Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere
Recognised as one of the best restaurants in the North, Holbeck Ghyll's fine dining experience forms the focal point of most visits to this country house hotel.
Spectacular views coupled with their attention to detail and award-winning food has made a visit to this restaurant a "must" for anyone visiting the Lake District. The menus, created by their talented head chef, offer inventive and beautifully presented dishes that showcase the freshest produce and flavours from the local area. The wine list /optional wine flights have been designed to supplement and enhance the dishes found on the menu.
So for delicious food, stunning views and a fine dining experience without any of the stuffiness, visit Holbeck Ghyll.
OPENING TIMES - Lunch served between 12 - 2pm, Afternoon Tea from 2.30 - 4.30pm, Dinner Service from 6.30pm, Lounge Menu served from 12 - 9pm
Holbeck Lane, Windermere, LA23 1LU | 015394 32375 | holbeckghyll.com | stay@holeckghyll.com
Holmes Mill & Bowland Brewery, Clitheroe
Holmes Mill, a once redundant cotton mill, has now been transformed into the most spectacular food and drink, lifestyle and leisure destination at the heart of the Ribble Valley.
Bowland Brewery is at the heart of the renovation and is visible from the fabulous award-winning Bowland Beer Hall. The beer hall, complete with 42 hand pulls on what is believed to be the longest bar in Britain, is truly a temple to British cask ale and to beers of all kinds from all around the world.
Dining in the Beer Hall features small plates and nibbles through to crowd-pleasing classics like burgers and hotdogs. For a lighter option the Bowland Food Hall cafe is the perfect choice. Or for something a little more fancy head to the Spinning Block Bistro, Bar & Grill.
OPENING TIMES - Open 7 days a week, please see website for food service times.
Holmes Mill, Greenacre Street, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB | 01200 407111 | holmesmill.co.uk
Joseph Holt, Lancashire
Joseph Holt is a Manchester-based brewery with a 126 strong pub estate. We've been brewing beer since 1849 and celebrate our 170th anniversary this year.
Our pub estate stretches across the North West and throughout Lancashire where we have a number of excellent food houses from Lytham St Annes to Ormskirk, Chorley and Horwich.
With deals on throughout the week, each of our warm and welcoming dining pubs offer a fine choice of eating options - from hearty pub classics, signature burgers and steaks, to lighter bites, salads and a mouth-watering range of desserts to finish off. All our Lancashire pubs serve a variety of internationally recognised award-winning Joseph Holt cask ales and lagers, wines and gins.
OPENING TIMES - See website and pub pages for more details
Joseph Holt Brewery, Empire Street, Manchester, M3 1JD | 0161 834 3285 | joseph-holt.com | info@joseph-holt.com
Lancaster House, Lancaster
The Foodworks Restaurant is an award winning Lancaster restaurant situated within the four-star Lancaster House hotel. Head chef, Damien Ng has worked hard to present a menu illustrating his inventive flare whilst not forgetting the hotel's old favourites.
Each dish, whether a British classic or a taste from afar, is prepared with care and imagination using fresh local produce. It is this insistence on quality and freshness and a lightness in cooking that sets The Foodworks restaurant apart as one of the best restaurants in Lancaster.
In addition to the restaurant, there is also The Sandeman Bar and comfortable lounge, a haven of relaxation with a feature fireplace to envelop diners in warmth and comfort. A wide range of light meals are served throughout the day in the bar and lounge areas. During the warmer months, the sheltered inner courtyard makes for pleasurable al fresco dining.
OPENING TIMES - Monday - Thursday 6 - 9pm; Friday - Saturday 6 - 9.30pm; Sunday 12.30 - 9pm.
Green Lane, Ellel, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4GJ | 01524 844 822 | englishlakes.co.uk/lancaster-house | reception.lancaster@englishlakes.co.uk
The Midland, Morecambe
The Sun Terrace Restaurant in Morecambe serves up contemporary cuisine in a relaxed, debonair environment. Boasting magnificent sea views, it reigns over all other Morecambe restaurants when it comes to intimate dinners.
The restaurant serves British classics prepared using local produce from Lancashire, the Cumbrian countryside and fresh from the Irish Sea. The seafood specialities such as Morecambe Bay shrimps, as well as hearty meals like poached Ribble Valley chicken breast and Goosnargh duck breast are all cooked with typical Midland panache you won't get from other restaurants in Morecambe. Many of the dishes are gluten free and there is also a wide choice of vegan dishes on offer.
Offering a more laid back atmosphere, is the Ravilious Rotunda Bar. With its quick service and laid back atmosphere, it's the ideal place to drop in for a morning coffee or bite to eat, whilst admiring the views across the bay.
OPENING TIMES - Lunch: Monday - Saturday 12 - 1.30pm, Sunday 12 - 2pm; Dinner Monday - Sunday 6 - 9.30 pm.
Marine Road West, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA4 4BU | 01524 424000 | englishlakes.co.uk/the-midland | reception.midland@englishlakes.co.uk
The Orangery, Wrea Green
A fabulous adult-only dining experience, The Orangery is the much-deserved holder of two AA Rosettes.
From the quality of dishes on offer here, it's clear to see that Head Chef Michael Noonan and his talented team are passionate about their craft. They source local ingredients wherever possible and combine them inventively to create a range of mouth-watering dishes, expertly prepared and beautifully presented. Committed to providing a range of sumptuous choices for all diners, The Orangery has recently introduced a new vegan menu for lunchtime.
You can dine al fresco in warmer weather and, of course, enjoy an aperitif in the Champagne Bar beforehand. Brunch, lunch, Afternoon Tea or dinner, the varied menus and impeccable service at The Orangery guarantee an unforgettable dining experience.
OPENING TIMES - Daily 11am - 9pm
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, PR4 2PR | 01772 674478 | ribbyhall.co.uk
Porto Restaurant, Bowness-on-Windermere
Well established in vibrant Bowness-on-Windermere, Porto, with its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, is a must-visit for good food and drink.
Chef, Slav creates exciting menus to make the most of the area's best seasonal and local ingredients. His renowned Porto focaccia is freshly made every day and goes down a treat with a cup of soup at lunchtime or as a pre-dinner nibble. Porto offers an eclectic dining experience serving tasty sharing plates, a 'la honey mustard glazed Cumberland Sausage and Tempura of haddock and tartare sauce, to the more classic British mains like Char Grilled Cumbrian Lamb Steak, dauphinoise potato, roasted vegetables, goats cheese, jus. A delicious Sunday
Lunch menu is also available as is a pre-theatre/cinema two course early evening menu. A roof top sun terrace is the perfect, peaceful place to sip a refreshing prosecco cocktail, enjoy an aperitif or dine alfresco during the summer months.
OPENING TIMES - Monday - Saturday Lunch 12 - 4pm; Dinner 5 - 9pm; Sunday Lunch 12.30 - 4pm, Dinner 5 - 8pm; Sunday lunch set menu 12.30 - 4pm
3 Ash Street, Bowness on Windermere, LA23 3EB | 015394 48242 | porto-restaurant.co.uk
Rothay Manor Hotel & Fine Dining, Ambleside
Situated in the market town of Ambleside, Rothay Manor is a fine-dining lovers delight. The AA 3 rosette awarded restaurant offers creative cuisine using the best of the seasons produce. Alongside the a la carte menu is a choice of either a 5-course or a 9-course Tasting menu, with matching wine flights. A full vegetarian menu, including a 5 and a 9 course Tasting menu is also available. Dietary requirements are catered for.
Afternoon Tea is also on offer daily and can be enjoyed in the lounges or in the beautiful gardens, made even more indulgent with a glass of fizz!
Each Sunday a wonderful roast is served, the perfect way to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon with family or friends. 19 boutique bedrooms are available to provide a restful and stylish retreat, each with super-king/twin beds and bespoke en-suite bathrooms.
OPENING TIMES - Snacks & Light Lunch 12 - 5pm; Afternoon Tea Monday - Saturday 2 - 5pm; Sunday 3:30 - 5pm; Dinner 7 - 9pm
Rothay Road, Ambleside, LA22 0EH | 015394 33605 | rothaymanor.co.uk | hotel@rothaymanor.co.uk
Royal Hotel, Kirkby Lonsdale
This elegant Georgian town house hotel provides boutique style accommodation and brasserie dining within easy walking distance of the town's most popular attractions - including the famous Ruskin's View.
Occupying one side of a bustling market square, the Royal is at the heart of town and its welcoming well-stocked bar is at the heart of the building. Secure a comfy armchair by the windows, order a coffee, grab the papers, and watch the comings and goings at the heart of this traditional farming community.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between the menu offers something for everyone: from artisan pizzas and tapas-style nibbles to a three-course Sunday roast. Afternoon Tea has become something of a Royal institution while the promise of a platter and glass of prosecco often proves too much of a temptation after a long day hiking on the hills.
OPENING TIMES - 8am - 11pm. Food served: Monday - Friday 12 - 2.30pm & 5.30 - 9.30pm; Saturday & Sunday 12 - 9pm; Afternoon tea served daily 2 - 5pm.
Mains Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AE | 01524 271 966 | royalhotelkirkbylonsdale.co.uk
The Shireburn Arms
Located in the heart of the village, The Shireburn Arms is a 17th Century hostelry offering a warm welcome and stunning views across the Ribble Valley. Original architectural features cosy up to contemporary fittings and fabrics to create a unique yet homely feel.
Perfectly positioned at the start of the popular Tolkein Trail the inn makes the perfect fuel stop pre or post walk. Serving fabulous food and brilliant beers inside and out - it's ideal for the whole family. The terrace and gardens are south facing and enjoy uninterrupted views for alfresco dining. And the fires will be lit should the weather turn inclement.
Oh and muddy boots and dogs are welcome too!
OPENING TIMES - 8am - 11pm. Food served: Monday - Friday 12 - 2.30pm & 5.30 - 9.30pm; Saturday & Sunday 12 - 9pm.
Whalley Road, Hurst Green, Clitheroe, BB7 9QJ | 01254 826 678 | shireburnarmshotel.co.uk
Statement Restaurant and Bar, Westhoughton
New opening headed by the team behind the award winning Provenance Food Hall and Restaurant; previous runners up at Lancashire Life Restaurant of the Year and also entries in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2017 and 2018.
The menu boasts contemporary and traditional dishes using in house aged meats from our butchers, as well as offering a sampling of creative vegan options using the best available seasonal produce. In addition to offering the best in local and seasonal produce our new site also has an extensive bar showcasing an excellent variety of wines, cocktails, beers and more.
The venue is also set up to accommodate live entertainment so keep an eye out for upcoming events.
OPENING TIMES - Food Service Hours: Wednesday - Thursday 5 - 8:30pm; Friday 12 - 9:30pm; Saturday 9am - 9:30pm; Sunday 10am - 8pm.
50 Market Street, Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3AB | 01942 812398 | statementrestaurant.co.uk | info@statementrestaurant.co.uk
Waddington Arms, Waddington
Fabulous food from well thought out menus is served for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Six beautiful bedrooms provide a comfortable base for exploring the Ribble Valley, Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire, or for simply sleeping off an evening in the Waddington Arms friendly well stocked bar.
A superb menu, featuring many local specialities, is complimented by an ever-changing specials board. There is also a light bites menu for those hungry, in-between meal moments. Using local produce wherever possible, you can be assured of wholesome meals freshly prepared to order which leave you thoroughly satisfied. We also have a children's menu and serve child size portions of our menu dishes where appropriate.
Dining is available throughout the pub with two cosy side rooms which open out towards the main bar area, so you can enjoy the dining experience without sacrificing the atmosphere of this real country pub.
OPENING TIMES - 11am - 11pm. Food served: Monday - Friday 12 - 2.30pm & 5.30 - 9.30pm; Saturday & Sunday 12 - 9pm.
Waddington, Nr Clitheroe, BB7 3HP | 01200 423262 | waddingtonarms.co.uk
Waterhead, Ambleside
Style, sophistication and contemporary luxury is what cleverly combines this beautiful traditional Lakeland building and its stunning lake shore setting to provide a four star boutique experience.
The Bar & Grill Restaurant presents diners with a bright, modern setting where they can enjoy the scenery and flavours of the beautiful Lake District. The restaurant serves to create an intimate and relaxed environment and offers amazing views of the lake. The restaurant menu utilises local ingredients, with a modern day twist on popular regional dishes. If it is a light bite to eat you are looking for, then the Bar & Lounge serves a delicious all-day menu and looks out onto the magnificent garden which houses a wood-fired pizza oven.
Waterhead is also renowned for its speciality gin and tonics. Why not come and sample our new G&Tea - Gin & Tonic Afternoon Tea?
OPENING TIMES - Bar and Lounge 12 - 6pm; Restaurant 6.30 - 9.30pm; Gin & Tonic Afternoon Tea 12 - 3pm.
Lake Road, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0ER | 015394 32566 | englishlakes.co.uk/waterhead | reception.waterhead@englishlakes.co.uk
The Wild Boar, Windermere
Set in the ancient beauty of the Gilpin Valley, with 72 acres of private woodland and a beautiful tarn, this traditional Inn has a long earned reputation for a warm welcome. We offer 34 individual bedrooms, classic British cuisine and our own smokehouse and microbrewery.
The Head Chef and kitchen team have created a modern British menu that makes use of some of the best local produce. Our steaks are hung and salt-aged for a minimum of 28 days in a purpose-built Himalayan Salt Chamber to produce a tender, dark meat that is unique, succulent and flavoursome. If it is Afternoon Tea you are looking for, then look no further than our Alternative Afternoon Tea.
Whether it's the food & drink, the woods & countryside, or the ambience and character of the Inn that inspires you, come along and enjoy a fantastic real Lakeland experience at The Wild Boar.
OPENING TIMES - All Day Menu 12 - 5pm; Lunch Sunday 12.30 -2.30pm; Dinner Sunday - Thursday 6.30 - 9pm; Friday & Saturday 6 - 9pm.
Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3NF | 015394 45225 | englishlakes.co.uk/the-wild-boar | reception.wildboar@englishlakes.co.uk
