The best restaurants in Derwent Valley Allerdale North West

3 of us had coffees and cakes at this cafe recently. There were long queues at a nearby establishment so we came here. I’m glad we did, the coffee I had was lovely, (cappuccino), with a top up available for only £2.00. The cake, (gingerbread) was also excellent. One of our party had a slice of scone which apparently was also excellent. The staff behind the counter were chatty and friendly. Don’t follow the crowds, use this cafe, it’s really good.

We didn't stay for any refreshments. The lady behind the bar said we are out of food in a very abrupt manner. They were still serving food, so we assume the kitchen had just closed at 7.30 on a Sunday.

Really great food and drinks - lovely location and service

Was so pleasantly surprised to find this famous cafe still open near the end of October. We were mid walk over to Dock Tarn and had a most enjoyable stop off with delicious coffee and the best home made ginger cake and tea bread cake you'll ever find. Just delicious 😋 😊👏

We ordered 2 vegetarian lasagne. That our family said were lovely. 1 pie and 1 fish and chips .The fish wasn't edible it was that over cooked . The pie was burnt on the top and dry . I complained to the waitress and she did nothing about it . We've been to the coledale before (2024 )and never had a problem.

We have eaten here on one previous occasion and was absolutely lovely food, really attentive service. We stayed overnight, the room in the farmhouse was lovely,immaculately clean. The bed was comfortable and an amazing shower. Breakfast was very well cooked. I would recommend

Lovely restaurant, staff were friendly and attentive. Our waitress jennifer was very attentive and professional. She spent time discussing the menu with us which helped us to choose the perfect dishes. Overall, an enjoyable meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

We stayed here for one night and were joined by family for dinner. The welcome was warm, the rooms were clean and comfortable and the food was excellent. The breakfast was superb, all freshly cooked. I would thoroughly recommend this place. Thanks to all the Staff Team that made it special for us.

I live locally and walk in the area regularly so had visited this cafe before, finding it ok, if not spectacular but very convenient in an otherwise quiet spot. Tried to call in again today while out with a friend and their dog, only to find dogs aren’t allowed inside, only in the outdoor seating area. Not too bad in summer perhaps, but on a cold, damp day, neither of us were in the mood to eat outdoors, so jumped in the car and visited Lingholm Kitchen instead, one of the many excellent dog-friendly cafes around Keswick. I understand its the owner’s prerogative to set their own policy on dogs, but when the vast majority of businesses in the Lakes welcome dog owners, it’s always disappointing to be excluded like this, particularly when the cafe was practically empty at the time. As someone who eats out regularly across the area, thankfully I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of places that don’t welcome dogs, so there’s no shortage of alternatives.

The pub was very handy as we were staying round the corner. The food is standard pub fare, but plentiful. The staff were friendly and served a decent pint. Prices are about average for the area, but if staying in the village it's worth a visit.

Stopped on the hotel, very dog friendly, friendly staff, rooms clean and comfortable, food is good, beer is good, location is awesome and so are the grounds / beer garden etc.

The Ladore Falls is a lovely old hotel which we have enjoyed a number of times over the years. My wife and I are an elderly retires business couple and booked a three night stay from September 8th 2020. Jane is recovering from major abdominal surgery and the trip was her first few days away after many weeks. We arrived after a 120 mile trip at 5pm tired and parked my wife’s modesty sized red sports car outside the main entrance while we unloaded our luggage. we queued at the reception desk and I asked if someone could help with 2 suit cases and 2 suit bags. A member of staff said she would try to accommodate us. At this point we were unfortunate enough to meet the General Manager although he did not introduce himself as such. “No we cannot help with luggage it may be contaminated” was his response. We moved towards the lift and he said “ I hope you are not going to leave your car there too long”. He was not impolite, just cold and totally disinterested. I asked how would people with more serious disabilities would manage. His response was “They simply wouldn’t come here”was his response. The lift holds 2 people and with luggage is very difficult especially as I have a chronic back condition. We arrived at room 331 and as we opened the door found another flight of narrow stairs to the room. By this time we were both exhausted. The room was comfortable but a little dated and there was a magnificent view over the lake. We found no soap in the bathroom and the shower tray had black mould around the edges. We found the bar area comfortable and the staff friendly and attentive if a little over familiar. As we sat there over a bottle of wine it was obvious that there was a training program. A number of people complained about wrong orders and excessive waits. Dinner on the first night was excellent. Food quality was good and the restaurant manager was first class. Dinner on the second night was also good but we waited 40 minutes between courses. Breakfast on both the mornings of our stay was first class. When we arrived back to the hotel after our first day we found dirty towels, dirty wine glasses, still no soap and an unmade bed. I tried for 10 minutes to contact reception with no response. We were eventually told that that because of COVID rooms were only serviced every third day. It was at this point we decided to go home and forego our final nights stay. We asked to see the manager and eventually a gentleman called Ritchie interviewed us and agreed to refund £320. He said COVID had presented great difficulties, which of course we understand. East European staff had returned home after lockdown. New summer staff had been recruited on the hotel reopening but with little or no time to train them properly. Government and head office policy was changing daily which was causing difficulty in running the business. Our conclusion is one of understanding, but also disappointment. £960 for a three night stay under these conditions is not acceptable. Had the general manager been more understanding and informative at the start we would probably have stayed the three nights. Our 6 star hotel in Beverley is the place we will remain for the foreseeable future. We did get one night refund for £320 for the night we didn’t stayRead lessDate of experience: September 2020

Amazing find! Ate here last night after staying in Rosthwaite and having limited options as we had not booked anywhere in advance. We were greater by really friendly staff, a cosy informal atmosphere and a great menu. I am usually a bit dubious about pub fish and chippy, usually preferring to go to an actual chippy, but WOW! They were amazing! We were both really impressed. Great portions after a day walking in Borrowdale and so so tasty. Good range of beers on tap too.

Having visited Grange River Cafe, I am at a loss to reconcile the poor reviews which I have read. I have visited this beautiful cafe on several occasions over a number of years both with my family/ children and as a solo walker, at the end of many a walk in the Borrowdale area, I have always looked forward to ending my walk sitting having tea and scones on a fine day or one of the excellent homemade soups on a wet one. I have spent many a good conversation with both the Lady and Gentleman owners who have always been not only courteous, but engaged in good conversation.