The best places to eat and drink in Grasmere

Grasmere may be a small town, but there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and drink for both couples and families no matter what your taste! 

  • The 1769 Bar & Restaurant

Contact the restaurant for opening times 

Set within the Inn at Grasmere, the 1769 Bar & Restaurant is a traditional village eatery and pub offering modern cooking to be enjoyed amongst a relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers homely classics such as Cumberland sausage and mash, fish and chips, burgers and other traditional meat dishes. The pub offers a wine list or choice of four local hand-pulled beers to enjoy with your meal before settling in the bar area beside the cosy log burner.

  • Harley’s Bistro & Café 

Open everyday 10am- 10pm 

A unique, pretty café set within a stunning, old church building, Harley’s Bistro & Café is the ideal rest spot for a midday lunch or an evening meal and drink.  The menu ranges from light bite sandwiches and soups to larger burgers and pizzas and an ever-changing specials menu. The bar serves a large selection of cocktails alongside a selection of draft lagers. 

  • Tweedies Bar 

Bar is open everyday 12pm- 11pm, Lunch is Monday-Saturday 12pm-2:45pm, Sunday 12pm-3:30pm. Evening dinner is served everyday 6pm-9pm. 

Tweedies Bar is located in the centre of Grasmere village and serves a seasonal menu providing a selection of culinary delights and familiar favourites. For a more relaxed lunch you can enjoy some tasty Lakeland grub in the bar area with dogs and muddy boots! If you prefer a more luxurious dining experience, you can choose to eat in the restaurant set in a beautiful country lodge overlooking the hilltops. The bar is locally renowned for its Sunday lunches serving a ‘proper roast dinner the proper way!’ The bars resident cook James is an award-winning chef working with a dedicated team of foodies serving passionate meals using quality, locally sourced ingredients. 

  • Lewis’s Bistro 

Open Tuesday- Sunday 5:30pm- 11pm 

Situated in the centre of Grasmere, Lewis’s Bistro is modern, family run venue set in quaint, traditional Lakeland building serving, fresh classic dishes produced with locally sourced ingredients. Favourite mains include Cumbrian fillet steak, Grasmere roasted lamb rack or for something different, a Mediterranean vegetable casserole. The bistro is popular amongst locals as is quite small so booking is always recommended.  

  • The Traveller’s Rest Inn

Open everyday 12pm-10pm, food is served 12pm-3pm then 5pm-9pm 

Enjoy traditional Cumbrian dining amongst a character filled 16th century Inn complete with a roaring fire and cosy interior at The Traveller’s Rest Inn. The pub is situated on the main road just below Helm Crag and serves an extensive menu of award winning food featuring local and provincial dishes. Enjoy a classic Cumberland sausage and mash whilst looking out the window at the Lion and the Lamb on the above mountaintop… you can’t get more Cumbrian that that! 

  • The Good Sport

Open everyday 9am-10pm, breakfast is served 9am-10:30am, lunch and dinner is served 12pm- 8:30pm

One of Grasmere newest pubs, the Good Sport opened in 2018 within two former 19th century farm buildings and has been popular with locals and visitors over the last few years.  The gastro pub is owned by local couple Paul and Beth Abbott, who work hard to provide good food and drink amongst a friendly atmosphere. The couple run their own micro-brewery, The Grasmere Brewery on site, with the pub being the only place you can sample their fine ales! The brewery’s ales range from pale ale, Indian pale ale, lagers and bitters which are all available on draught from the bar. The pub accompanies their ales with traditional, home cooked food serving local favourites such as Herdwick Lamb hotpot and burger, Fish and Chips and Cumbrian Beef Burgers. The Good Sport is also renowned for their full English breakfasts and tasty Sunday lunches!  

  • Faeryland Tea Garden 

Open Friday-Tuesday, 10am-5pm 

For an afternoon coffee and a romantic boat trip on the lake, Faeryland Tea Garden is a unique, lakeside café, which also offers rowing boat hire. The pretty tea garden is a beautiful spot to enjoy a tea or coffee with a jam scone or bowl of homemade soup, whilst enjoying the stunning views over Grasmere lake. Once you’ve had some refreshment, why not take a rowing boat out and explore the waters of the lake? This unique attraction also has a lived in Romany Vardo on its grounds, which can be viewed by visitors. The traditional Gypsy styled wagon is one the few original designs left and is a pretty example of a traditionally built vardo dating back to the 1850s. 

  • Grasmere Tea Gardens 

Open everyday, 9:30am-5pm

This pretty little teashop is situated in one of Grasmere’s prime locations, sitting right on the banks of the River Rothay. The café is perfect for tea, coffee, scones or a slice of post-hiking cake to enjoy with stunning river views! The garden is beautiful in the summer months with the café also having a quaint, indoor area for wintertime. The tea room also offers a takeaway service if you’re in a rush.