There are many small villages with pubs locally providing a range of dining experiences. We've included a small selection of the ones that we know and love in this section where we've had many great food and drink experiences. There are plenty more to choose from throughout the wider Lake District but this selection should give you something to get your teeth into locally. If you find any others that you think deserve a mention during your stay please let us know.
Larch Cottage Nurseries
Melkinthorpe
More than just a garden centre – and it's pretty well set up as one of those – there is also a cafe and restaurant on site. The food here is excellent and the coffee ain't bad either. It's a good starting point on your first morning at Yew Tree to enjoy elevenses and leisurely plan you're holiday.
The George & Dragon and The Strickland Arms
Clifton and Great Strickland
These two are both within walking distance so if you fancy an evening walk to the pub for a drink and a bite to eat without driving, these are good options. Both are accessible on foot via very pleasant footpaths through woodland and pastures. The former offers really excellent and high quality food. We haven't managed to eat at the Strickland Arms although they seem to have a very large menu. Strickland is great for an evening walk there and back and a pint or two. The George and Dragon is definitely a great option for food and if you're too full to walk home then a taxi should be an affordable option.
The Dog & Gun
Skelton, Near Penrith
Situated in a small village to the north east of Penrith this has been our go-to restaurant for a couple of years now. Formerly a village pub re-imagined into a fine dining restaurant, The Dog and Gun didn't take long to earn itself Michelin Gourmand status. Whilst it offers extremely high quality food the prices have remained extremely good value for money for the quality. A three course meal and drinks has rarely set us back more than £60 for two and we've definitely paid more for less in other places with more widespread reputations! If you're a foodie then take the time to visit this rather well kept secret.
Mill Yard Cafe
Morland
This is a real little gem offering a great lunch menu and providing high quality take out pizza on Friday and Saturday nights. Great coffee, good food and a really attractive little village. Check opening times before visiting!
Askham Hall, The Punchbowl and the Queen's Head
Askham
Askham is considered one of the most picturesque villages in the Eden Valley and well deserves the reputation. Cottages and houses from different eras line the edges of the broad village green and nestled a little out of view is Askham Hall, one of the traditional seats of the Lowther family. Today the hall is run as a luxury Hotel and features a Michelin starred restaurant. From formal fine dining to pizza on the lawn, Askham Hall has a great offering for all tastes. The Queen's Head is also run by the Lowther family and offers an alternative venue for drinking and dining, whilst the Punchbowl continues to offer great quality traditional pub food.
PENRITH
Penrith has a wide range of options when it comes to dining in or out. Angel Lane Chippy has a very good reputation locally for great fish & chips, whilst Town Head Chippy also competes well for this type of food. From Greek and Turkish through to Burger King and KFC there are takeaway options to suit most tastes. If you just can't tear yourself away from the delights of the weekly shop then Penrith is for you. There are five supermarkets in the town, with a range to suit all budgets. At the bargain end of the scale there is an Aldi and at the upper end is Booths. There's also a Sainsbury's a Morrsions and M&S Foodhall. The supermarkets that offer delivery all deliver to Yew Tree.
TEBAY SERVICES
M6 Southbound between Junctions 38 & 39
More than just a motorway services, the Tebay version is an independantly run award-winning food hall. The focus is on local produce - the services were set up by a local farming family. The meat, cheese and deli produce available here is outstanding and you'll have to go a very long way to beat it. If you love food it's absolutely worth a trip. The services are located on the M6, a little to the south of Shap. If you're in a walking mood there's a great circular walk at Wet Sleddale close to Shap (Withnail and I fans will want to do this one) which can be combined with a trip to the deli. The M6 is also a quick route to the South Lakes so the deli, combined with a day out, and makes a great place to pick up something to re-fuel with after a day on the fells.
OTHER DINING EXPERIENCES - A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
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