5 Best Restaurants in Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, The Lake District

Henrock

$$$$ Fodor's choice

An informal restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, Henrock is a superb addition to the dining scene in Bowness. Much of the fresh produce is grown on Rogan's farm in nearby Cartmel, and all of the dishes are seasonal with strong roots in British cooking. In addition to lunch and dinner, Henrock also has an imaginative afternoon tea menu with sweet treats such as chocolate and passion fruit tartelette and pink pepper, raspberry, and rose choux buns.

British Dinner Fodor's Choice Lunch $$$$
Crook Rd., Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JA, England
015395-87766
www.henrock.co.uk
Known For
  • local ingredients
  • creative afternoon tea menu
  • Michelin-starred chef
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed. No lunch weekdays

Angel Inn

$$

Up the steep slope from the water's edge in Bowness, this spacious, stylish pub serves good home-cooked fare as well as a fine collection of beers that includes its own Hawkshead brew. The seasonal menu includes a traditional Cumbrian sausage ring and breaded whole tail scampi from Whitby. Leather sofas and open fires make the Angel a cozy place; service is low-key and friendly, with crayons for kids and games to play. The decoration is bright, minimal, and contemporary, with wooden floors and off-white walls. Thirteen comfortable, good-value bedrooms complete the picture.

Lake View Garden Bar

$

This eatery has one of the best views in Bowness, thanks to its outdoor terrace overlooking the lake that is drenched in sunshine for much of the summer and has quite a party atmosphere. There's often live music and an extensive drink menu that includes signature cocktails, plus a tasty selection of sourdough pizzas, burgers, and shared plates.

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Masons Arms

$
With fabulous views over the rolling countryside of the Winster Valley to the east of Windermere, the Masons Arms is a slate-floored traditional old inn serving local ales and good pub food. Old mirrors and tankards decorate the walls, and there's a speciality gin list as well as a menu showcasing the best local ingredients. Favorite dishes include slow-cooked pork belly, Cartmel lamb with a rosemary and garlic mash, and a particularly good glazed ham hock to share. In winter there's an open log fire; in summer outdoor seating beckons. Five suites and two cottages provide stylish places to sleep, should you wish to stay.

Queen's Head

$

This unpretentious 17th-century inn in the pretty little village of Troutbeck is in a superb location. The menu showcases local ingredients and there's a traditional Sunday lunch with roasted meats and all the trimmings. The intimate dining rooms have oak beams, flagged floors, and log fires. If you want to stay overnight, the 10 ensuite guest rooms have splendid views, and the spot is well positioned for walks in the beautiful Troutbeck Valley. The Queen's Head is owned by Individual Inns, a small group of properties in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.