Priory Hotel in South Lakeland

our favourite place in cartmel for a quiet drink.

A Hidden Gem Found in The Priory Hotel, Cartmel! Tucked away in the quaint village of Cartmel is a little-known gem called The Monks Bistro, located within the Priory Hotel. After a brisk morning walk, we stumbled upon this unassuming spot, not quite sure what to expect given its unique setup as both a hotel, bar, and restaurant. Luckily for us, this delightful gem delivered far beyond our expectations. From the moment we entered, the staff's warm and welcoming nature instantly put us at ease. Despite visiting quite late in the day, they kindly informed us of the remaining menu options still available. We settled in with our drinks by the inviting real fire, which provided the perfect ambiance to thaw out after our chilly morning venture. Our order of homemade Steak and Ale pies arrived in no time, and the aromas alone transported me back to fond memories of hearty family meals. The quantity was generous, but even more impressive was the quality – the tender steak, flaky pastry, and rich ale gravy melded together in a culinary delight that had us craving more. Admittedly feeling quite satisfied, we couldn't resist the temptation to sample their homemade puddings. Sticky toffee pudding and Eton mess joined our table, and to our surprise, we managed to find room for these indulgent treats. The puddings were divine, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to our meal. What truly made our experience stand out was the exceptional value for the price. For under £50, we enjoyed two filling mains, two decadent puddings, and two drinks. It's clear that this family-run business pours its heart into providing top-notch quality at an affordable price. A must-visit for anyone seeking a warm, inviting atmosphere, delectable homemade fare, and outstanding value. It's apparent that this hardworking family establishment is dedicated to ensuring patrons leave feeling full and satisfied, we look forward to returning for another delightful meal soon.

been coming here for about 10 years now when passing thru Cartmel everytime we come i always have a quick look at the reviews on TA dont know why i bother food & beer is always top notch very dog friendly big shout out to the young lady behind the bar never stopped working and checking with us that all was ok and she loved Billy our Jack Russell will be back again next time we are in Cartmel ☺

Paid £10 for a seafood chowder which was microwaved and inedible, it smelt so bad it also put my partner off his meal. Nice atmosphere but food was so disappointing.

I came in today with three friends who are over from Canada. We all had leek and potato soup and a sandwich. The soup was,awful it tasted of vinegar! We asked for it to be changed, so we had tomato and basil, which tasted like vinegar again! One of my friends managed to eat hers! I was not offered a refund! Do chefs/cooks not taste the food anymore before sending it out to customers? Would not recommend.

Stayed at the Priory Hotel for 3 days, and absolutely loved it. The staff were very friendly, and extremely helpful. The breakfast served in the mornings was a welcome treat, and the pub downstairs was a great spot to hang after a long day. The room was quite comfortable, and the location scenic. Next time I’m back near Cartmel, I will try to stay here

The food was great, they let me order an item on the breakfast menu when we were a bit late. Staff were friendly. Would come again :)

Had a fab lunch and a very attentive waiter We didn't asked his name but he wore glasses. We had the gorgeous Morecambe Van Shrimps and Haddock with hips

Came here to grab a bite to eat before the Cartmel races began. Service was brilliant and quick and the full English breakfast was delicious! Highly recommend as the prices are reasonable too.

Board outside said meals being served so we paid extra car park money to have a last lunch out for our holiday went in to find only sandwiches. Why have the meals board out?? Cost us £3 park for nothing spoilt our last day

Great place to stay. Lovely room brilliant breakfast very friendly staff

Absolutely shocking food, please do not waste your money in this hole of a place, can't even describe how bad the quality of the food is and to add not a friendly face in the house....only interested in taking money and serving absolute pony !!!! Avoid this as

I honestly don’t think I’ve ever tasted such tasteless food! It’s laughable how bad the Sunday lunch is. Over priced and horrible….. absolutely wouldn’t recommend. Service by the owner was terrible, you would think they wanted to please customers but obviously not! The young waiter was lovely and that’s the only thing I could say was ok.

What an absolute shambles! After a beautiful weekend in cartmel . We decided to stop off for our lunch before heading home. We ordered four Sunday lunches ! Four ham sandwiches & four chips ! I had also asked to purchase some meat for my dog . Which was refused. Which was fine , however the manner in which it was done was not fine . But I let that go. Eventually once our food came. It was clear it was as good at the owners people skills ! Not one clear plate 😕 which in its self should of been a warning sign for the staff that there customers stomach's where not satisfied!! The owner then asked would I like to purchase meat for my dog . In which I told him I wouldn't serve that meat to my dog, I had difficulty cutting & chewing it myself & that no body had enjoyed there meals ! His response was to shrug his shoulders ,say "Okay" and walk off ! Only we had paid for the meals at the bar, I would of certainly refused to settle the food bill. We had spent nearly £180 pound for nothing . I could sort of understand if the restaurant area had been full ,but our family was the only ones eating . But what I don't understand is rude people & why would put yourself in that role if you clearly don't like public / tourists !!

Situated in Cartmel the Priory Hotel is absolutely highly recommended. The room we stayed in was stunning and one of the most comfortable beds I have slept on in a hotel. Staff were very helpful and friendly. We didn't stay for Breakfast as we had to leave early. Will 100% return very soon

Nice enough, could be a little posher for the price, room was far too hot and couldn't turn radiator off. Breakfast was nice

Just ok 👌 drinks cheaper than everywhere else which is a bonus. Staff seemed ok a little loud mouth at times

Popped in here for some lunch after being charmed by (I assume) the owner. What a mistake! Shown in to the front room and ordered food for the four of us consisting of a sandwich each and a drink. Despite our protestations the gentleman continued to bombard us with extra food suggestions which we politely declined. The food itself was ok. The ham looked cheap and the cheese likewise. Upon leaving we asked for the bill which astounded us. When I queried it the gentleman just smiled and told us that was the going rate in these parts and as we weren’t local we didn’t understand how it worked. We paid but explained we weren’t happy about it. We could see menus available at the side but as we’d already been told of every sandwich option we didn’t check the prices. Our mistake on that one. As we drove through the square as we left Cartmel we could see him speaking to another family in the doorway of the hotel. Hopefully they didn’t fall victim as well!

Stayed overnight. Perfect location in the centre of Cartmel. Very comfortable king size room with good facilities and very clean. Lovely breakfast in the morning. Friendly staff.

Only had the cream tea,and a sandwich on our walk through Cartmel but it was lovely, the menu was very good and the meals that were served to other customers looked delicious.

Sat outside the priory hotel right in the centre, good spot for people watching! Had just a cup of coffee, as just passing through. Lovely hotel.

called in again(4th time in 4years) for a bite to eat and quick drink on the way to Bowness was a little worried as there seem to be some mixed reviews since our last visit Shouldnt have worried Food was as good as ever Chips to die for and the pint of Local Beer wasnt too shabby either see you again next year

Having visited the village which was lovely, we looked forward to a tasty Steak and ale pie! Menu read very well on paper! However, sad surroundings, lack lustre service from a waiter who only had one other table to worry about. Both my husband and I ordered the Steak and ale pie, it came served on a hot plate (thank you for that), with chips, a pot of “gravy” and some mushy peas. Tasteless pie, tough and chewy beef, 2 small slices of old carrots, no sauce and to add insult to injury, soggy pastry Horrible pre cooked chips which tasted old. Gravy (or should I say stock cube or Bisto gravy??!!) terrible. Spoke to the manager who was not happy with our comments and we were told we were the “very first to complain about their food”!!! REALLY??? Sad. I can’t say what the rest of their menu is like, but I can say that there was no love or attention taken to making and serving our meal. Never again.

We called in for a drink and a bite to eat whilst staying elsewhere in Cartmel, The Priory was ok but nothing special.

Really lovely staff and great food and drinks. Would definitely recommend here. Didn't stay at the hotel, so couldn't comment on that

We had mixed experiences here. The lamb was very tasty, but one of our party had the curry which they considered poor.

Priory Hotel was a very convenient location for a light lunch in cartmel. Opted for a couple of the soup options, chowder and tomato washed down with a couple of their beers and some wine. Good overall experience, staff friendly and service very good and prompt, food pretty well received. Pretty good value for money and happy to return if opportunity presents.

I ordered the Tarka Dhal lentil curry,and guess what they had no rice,so asked for salad in place of it. My curry arrived with a very small salad garnish. My curry came without yogurt,flaked almonds or coriander.lt was just a slop of carrots and lentil with the tiniest hint of curry,it was not very nice .

Stayed here 2 nights mid week. On entering there is a dining room to the left & a small but well stocked bar to the right. I was given the keys to my room, which overlooked the square. The room was lovely, spotlessly clean & balanced modern with traditional. There is a little outside noise due to the single glazed sash windows, but due to the location, there is limited traffic, so it doesn’t really bother. Sane again for internal noise. It’s a historic building so be prepared for the occasional creaks and knocks. I had breakfast on one of the mornings, which was excellent, and enjoyed a pint later at the outside tables. The bar seems to be very much the locals pub, but not in an unwelcoming way. Staff were pleasant and all requests accommodated. This place is the epitome of a good Inn, and it does it very well.

,,, Family owned pub ... restaurant ,,, Good daily pub menu ,, with excellent restaurant menu in the evening .. !! Friendly staff ,,, reasonable prices def worth a visit :)

Attended hotel for the restaurant only, it was the most reasonable priced place to eat for some distance around and yet the food was wonderful. Great atmosphere and brilliant staff. Our server was perfect, he really looked after us, was polite and professional. Definitely worth eating here or even just having a drink in the bar as the atmosphere is very welcoming.

My husband usually has the all day breakfast,no complaints it is always consistent.l have coronation chicken in a jacket potato,obviously you are buying your coronation chicken from a different supplier ,it’s not nice doesn’t even taste of curry.

We called in here hoping for a hearty meal on a very rainy day. The menu read well, limited choice for lunch. My partner ordered steak pie, everything microwaved, nobody wants soggy microwaved pastry. I ordered a ploughman’s lunch. All looked good until I realised...

We tried to eat here on a few nights of our stay in the village but they were struggling with staff shortages so were unable to get a table until our last night. The menu was fairly short and basic, which again may have been...

When pubs start a performance out of changing a barrel. When you're offered Tio Pepe as a port. When it takes five minutes to sort out somebody's change. When the decor reminds you of a soap opera in a bad way. Try somewhere else

We arrived late after really a bad experience at the nearby Pig & Whistle(very poor).We were welcomed with open arms and even though it was busy.They found a good socially distanced table for us.The meal was very nice and the service was excellent by the...

Good menu to chose from. Food tasty. Staff attentive. Nice to sit in the bar afterwards for a drink.

Great cooked breakfast inside and outside tables on The Square. Very friendly staff. Busy in the daytime as other places on The Square are currently closed.

Midweek pub lunch which was tasty, hot and served by friendly staff. Cartmel seems to have a bit of a foodie reputation but this was just standard well priced fare. Certainly worth a try if you're visiting.

hi four of us called for afternoon snacks and had a mixed bag homemade soup was delicous ,crumpets and teackes fine but cream tea was comical the scone had been defrosted in the microwave and was rock hard but my friend doesnt like complaining so...

Called in for coffee on the morning and returned later for soup/sandwiches and a beer to tide us over as we wandered around the village. Great value, pleasant and helpful staff and well managed anti covid systems.

My husband and l enjoyed lunch here last week and l am returning this week.My husband had the all day breakfast and l had a jacket potato with Chilli con carne.Would highly recommend.

My husband and I spent the evening here in an executive room. The room was beautifully decorated, the owner was very welcoming and it was perfectly situated for our stay. Breakfast was lovely, I had the eggs Benedict which was delicious. There is a small...

Called in to the Priory on Fri 01.11 on route to the Woodlands Had a walk round Cartmel in the Rain,popped in a couple of places 1st with the idea of having a bite to eat but was put off by the dark interiors &...

Fantastic night stay. Bedroom very spacious and very clean. Quick bite to eat, was a real chip butty not frozen ones which is very rare these day. Evening meal was to die for and saw was the real ale and gins. Breakfast in the morning...

Great food and really good service. Could not fault the food, more than enough on the plate, really tasty and very good for price. Service was excellent as was the beer.

Solo apareció para un almuerzo ligero sopa n sandwich. Lerk y sopa de papas deliciosas. Precio razonable también especialmente para Cartmel

Encontramos este hotel en la reserva. com. logró obtener la suite ejecutiva, que era hermosa. Decorado con buen gusto, baño grande, todas las comodidades que pueda necesitar. Estamos en el restaurante, toda la comida estaba muy rica. El desayuno era encantador, con mucha variedad. Todos nos hicieron sentir muy bienvenidos y nada era demasiado problema. Recomendaría este establecimiento a cualquiera.

Restaurante muy bien cuidado y limpio. Muy buena comida. No es demasiado caro y el personal es acogedor y amable.

Todo sobre este lugar es perfecto. Plaza de aparcamiento. Centro del bonito pueblo de Cartmel. La bienvenida de Julie fue generosa y cálida. El registro fue una brisa. Nuestra habitación es amplia e impecable. Esenciales de cortesía; refrescos y artículos de tocador y una cama grande y cómoda adornada con ropa fresca y fresca. Disfrutamos de un sueño maravillosamente reparador. Una gran ducha y, para colmo, un mega desayuno inglés completo, tocino espeso y sabroso, salchichas deliciosas, morcilla, papas fritas, me encanta. . . . No podemos criticar este lugar y lo recomendamos absolutamente?

Siempre disfrutamos de una bebida en el Priorato durante nuestra estancia en Cartmel. Julie y el personal y amable y acogedor. La zona del bar es agradable y es un gran lugar para ver deportes o disfrutar de una bebida. Disfrutamos de nuestro almuerzo de domingo, que estaba muy bien preparado y ofrece una excelente relación calidad-precio en 8. 95. Pollo muy sabroso, salsa sabrosa y una selección de verduras de temporada. Siempre es un buen lugar para una gorra de noche también.

El restaurante estaba tranquilo ya que era noviembre, pero el servicio y la comida eran muy buenos.Sue estaba realmente impresionada con los cócteles (tenía unos cuantos) y me quedé con la cerveza local. La comida es de estilo pub ya un precio muy razonable. El pastel de bistec y cerveza, recomendado por personas que conocimos antes, estuvo a la altura de las expectativas.Sin duda volveremos.

Mi esposo reservó una noche como parte de mi regalo de cumpleaños y una visita a Rogan and Co.

Una fiesta familiar de 16 personas, que incluye (pero no se limita a) vegetarianos, comensales no lácteos, no de trigo. . . .

Lovely room, however the pillows were not very comfortable. Pillows are a personal taste and whilst hubby was okay, they were too hard for me. Bathroom let the room down as tiny.

Looking for lunch, my wife and I chanced on the Priory Hotel as tables were placed outside on The Square. The hot day required umbrellas and they were there! The heat also meant something fairly light for lunch.

Had our first nights meal here, we were made very welcome and the staff were lovely so pleasant.

We stayed for 2 nights whilst the races were on. Had a fantastic warm welcome. The rooms were spotless and very comfortable. Breakfast was freshly cooked to order and delicious.

We didn't feel like a lot to eat so 2 had jacket potatoes, one soup & sandwich, 1 chowder, 1 pate and the other a toasted teacake. Everyone was well pleased with the tasty freshly cooked food. Look forward to coming back next time in area

We stayed here Bank Holiday Sunday. Room 2 had an extra large comfortable bed. The staff were friendly and very helpful. We came for a little sunshine and got it!

The Priory hotel is situated in the picturesque square in Cartmel which seemed to be very busy earlier today.

We stayed here in order to visit L’enclume for a birthday surprise. The room was nicely equipped,clean and comfortable. The ladies who were working there were all really friendly and helpful.

Food and Staff all Great and really make you feel welcome and always with a smile which goes a long way because you feel reassured.

We went here today as we saw a sign outside for Whitby scampi and so we went in. The staff were great as we just wanted scampi pieces to take away and they accommodated , we paid £9 for two portions of scampi as didn't want the chips or anything. I love Whitby and the scampi took me right back there so it made my day.

A great old-fashioned pub with highly entertaining regulars who love to chat. Wine list is basic, but it's cheap!! Good place to go for a drink after L'Enclume.

We booked on Friday night which was apprently curry night. The curries didn't really appeal as I am a vegetarian and wife only eats fish and white meat but there was agoo menu choice anyway. Wife had salmon which she said was perfectly cooked. I had a lasagne which was very tasty, and good beer too.

We returned here for dinner whilst in the Lake District. We had booked it for our first evening as we were staying just outside Cartmel and had enjoyed a lunch here last year.

We were able to get what we wanted which was a lite lunch. I had ham sandwich & my partner had potted shrimp. I do think it's a shame only lite lunches available & no hot meals which meant my sister & brother in law left to look elsewhere. Hot meals provided in the evening. The hotel / resturant is lovely, food very nice & we'll presented & staff very friendly.

Great little pub in the middle of the square, broad menu offering snacks and light lunches, good service. Overall nothing to complain about, staff friendly and chatty.

As a family we were attending the Cartmel Races - after setting up our picnic and seats etc etc - we walked into the beautiful village of Cartmel and went into this wonderful Hotel for our morning coffee - our sons and grandson had a brekkie snack - wonderful sausage and Bacon Barms - very filling and well worth the price - all in all excellent place - we will defo be returning on the next race day ....perhaps even may stay over in this little gem.

Fue aquí el año pasado para el té de la tarde (Ver Revisión Junio 2016)

Siempre pop por el hotel Priory para una bebida después de una noche de carreras y nunca estamos decepcionados. Asientos - gran variedad de bebidas calientes y frías, y un ambiente muy relajado

Un pequeño hotel con habitaciones grandes, un ambiente relajado y un buen desayuno. ¿Qué más necesitas para un fin de semana!

Quería algo bastante para tomar una copa y el café bar Priory era el lugar. Sillas cómodas, bien decoradas con una gran variedad de bebidas frías y buen servicio del personal.

Really nice room,nice little bar great for a weekend break in Cartmel. Didn't use restaurant other than for a big cooked breakfast.

We called here after the bonfire and fireworks and it was very welcome to eat nice hot food and sit in comfort after standing watching the fireworks.The food was hot and OK. No salt in the veg and the chicken was swimming in the gravy, but it was hot and filled a space.

Wanted lunch after visiting the Priory - went in to this hotel and were greeted by a fantastic lady (who came from Flookburgh where we had been earlier in the day - Flookburgh seems to produce real characters) - the service was wonderful - she chatted, she recommended, she was informal and entertaining, and she served us delicious chowder. The whole place is lovely and well presented. Even the toilets are top class! Can't recommend highly enough. If you are at Cartmel don't give it a miss - go in and try the chowder at the very least. Another patron had fish and chips which looked extremely appetising - so the kitchen obviously turns out very good food. Despite all that our memory is of an extremely good staff member who made our lunch memorable

The breakfast was spot on! Me and the misses both had a Full English and neither of us could complain, Great Breakfast and Great Value for money. Will certainly be going back for another one!

Surprised to see some of the reviews which don't recommend here as highly. We sat outside on a busy Sunday lunchtime and the food was well presented and very tasty! The staff were clearly working hard too. Internally what stood out was how clean the facilities looked too. Would return if we visited the area again.

We stayed at the Priory for our daughter's wedding weekend and we had a wonderful time! The hotel was lovely and the staff couldn't have done more to make our stay more special. The rooms are very tastefully decorated and spotlessly clean. The breakfasts were delicious and plentiful. Would defnitely stay here again! Thank you again to the wonderful staff!

We whiled away a very pleasant afternoon enjoying a lovely afternoon tea, reading the papers and watching the world go by in the window seats. Everything was freshly made and nicely presented. Will definitely go again when we back in the area.

Ordered the fish and chips and lasagne and while both meals were tasty we were left hungry. Sadly the meal sizes were disappointing.

Popped in one Friday for an evening meal. Place was very quiet - only us in the dining room. Service was great and the lovely lady (originally from Scotland!!) was great with my little boy. Had a lovely steak with proper cut chips. Only complaint was it seemed to take quite a long time for us to get our food considering we were the only patrons in.

After Walking our Dog around Cartmel Racecourse for approx 3 hours we just wanted to sit in the Sun for a Sarnie and a BrewSat Here and ordered the Afternoon Tea for 2£15.00 for 2 Sandwiches,2 Scones with Jam & Cream & 2 BrewsVery Very Nice,that nice we tried to go back later in the week but all the outside seats were takenOnly tried the Afternoon Tea but would not hesitate to call back to try the rest of the menu

We had two rooms in the roof in this perfectly positioned Inn. They were charming; characterful, spacious and spotless.The breakfast was cooked to order and was delicious.Each of the staff members we met were helpful and happy.Wish we could have stayed longer.

Spur of the moment visit for tea and scones which came with a strawberry on top. Hmm delicious. Sat outside in Cartmel. Beautiful day to enjoy our visit. Would go back.

Central location, friendly service, beautiful room excellent decoration and bathroom. Breakfast was good nothing was any trouble

We stopped here for lunch after a morning walk. The hotel has been recently refurbished and it looks really nice. The bar area is dog friendly. Great food and a good selection of beers and wines. The evening menu looked very nice. Definitely will be back to try it.

had a relaxing good home made meal in the priory hotel. the staff made us at home and i am sure we will visit on our return to cartmel

We called in for coffee and teas whilst visiting Cartmell. The staff were very friendly, the place itself looked most welcoming and somewhere we would be interesting to stay at on another occasion. The refreshments were great and reasonably priced. The owner was a lovely person to talk to and we left feeling we had stumbled on something of a gem.

Had a all day breakfast here at the weekend, it was severed well and was delicious, I quite fancy staying here it's a lovely hotel I. The very centre if you want peace and quiet it's perfect

This is a great place for afternoon tea that can be a full tea or limited. It's a bit quaint and historical and very much a traditional pub. There's a nice small restaurant also that serves a realistic range of dishes.

Lovely hotel clean & beautiful rooms. Breakfast lovely too. On the down side Not the most friendly...

The public bar is brilliant...Due to this hotel been so fair unlike 2 other pubs in the square charging £20 each just to go have a drink new years eve we now use this pub all the time..

This hotel is set in a nice quiet square. The people are really nice and the service is great. The food is amazing. Especially when we had our new years tea there. We both had a really good time here. We Will definitely be back!

Thank you so much to Gary and Julie, proprietors of the Priory hotel in Cartmel. My husband and I were made to feel so welcome. The room was lovely, very tastefully decorated, spotlessly clean, warm and inviting with every amenity. Situated in the centre of Cartmel village it is the in place to stay, would definitely recommend!

Had lunch here, then coffee and cake later. The food was fresh and great, service was good, the atmosphere relaxed, and the pub lovey with beautiful tiling, leather armchairs and a sunny outdoor area. Very enjoyable.

This dog friendly hotel made us and our dog very welcome in the bar area where we enjoyed a very good meal of lamb shank and rump steak washed down with a very nice bottle of merlot. Good and recommended

We visited the Priory Hotel over the August bank holiday weekend when the Cartmel races were on. The village was very busy and we sat outside the hotel with our dog and had afternoon tea. The hotel is in the central square and is a great place to sit and people watch. We ordered food at the bar and it was served at our table. The food was very good value and excellent quality. The staff were polite and attentive. We will definitely return!

Perfect location for attending l'enclume. Situated in the small village square with some reserved parking to the side of the hotel. Newly refurbished and very well done to a good standard. Our room was 5 which was large and very clean and we stayed on a B&B basis. Comfy bed, smart en suite. Breakfast was okay but lots of food pre cooked and warmed up. Good value and would recommend.