The best restaurants in Coniston and Crake Valley South Lakeland North West

Had the best hot chocolate of my life here and the breakfast was fantastic! I will definitely be going back for more next time I'm in Coniston.

Enjoyed a family meal, 4 people plus baby. Limited seats create intimate dining area. Friendly staff. Varied menu. Was able to cater for a GF meal. Also ordered to take away. Meal plus drinks for 4 cost about £50, very reasonable for area!

Heavenly Everything g was superb ! Heaven in our mouths Heaven in our eyes Gorgeous - what a find Thu/fri /sat 10.30-4 at the moment Such a special calm friendly place Food was second to none !!! And all the extra love ❤️ added to this wonderful place - it beams joy 🤩 Thank you for letting us chat with you all My kids were so such a special place ! ( meditative ) Wish you were near us in Sheffield 😍 We will recommend highly - Thank-you all so much

Great little gem, I had a chicken and bacon salad barm was amazing 😍 a lovely cup of tea, set me up for the afternoon. Will diffinatley be coming back 😀 great ice cream too.

Grubby! Salt and pepper pots needed a good clean, tray drinks were served on was dirty. Staff were not invested in the customer experience; not very welcoming and music was overpowering, it seemed to be on just for the staff. Radiator badly positioned right next to seating, lots of clutter around. The sausage rolls and pasties looked very anaemic yet carried a hefty price, not home cooked. Not recommended.

The following is an email I have sent to the cafe. After the below incident we did go back after our boat trip and had a pleasant experience, the other staff were polite, the food was good and the service was prompt… Just hope you don’t end up being served by the resident Vicky Pollard waitress that works there. Luckily there was no sign of her when we returned for lunch, she was probably in the back sharpening her tongue. She totally lets the place down, my stars would have been a lot higher if it wasn’t for that socially inept plebe… management can you be careful who you are hiring?! Hello, We have just now visited your cafe on our way to catch a boat and we wandered into the cafe thinking we’ll have a look to come back and have bite to eat later and to ask where we book for the boat. Obviously we knew we wouldn’t be booking from the cafe but we were lost and looking for directions. I politely said excuse me to one of the waiting staff, a young slim female, and then said do you know where reception for booking the boat is. She looked at me with an angry disgusted expression on her face before abruptly snapping “what!!” She was like Vikki Pollard. I repeated my question and she again very ignorantly said “I don’t know!! We’ve got nothing to do with boats!! We’re a cafe! She then put her nose in the air, turned and walked away from me. Luckily there was a man behind us who heard the whole thing and happened to be the person responsible for the boat we were to catch. He informed us. I’ve worked in hospitality and attractions for decades at a senior level, I was disgusted at her behaviour and attitude, what an embarrassment, as a manager I certainly would not tolerate that, there was absolutely no need for it, she could have just politely said sorry I’m not sure, and directed me else where. Can I suggest you ensure your staff have at least some communication skills and customer service skills or at least learn some basic manners. She was acting like she’d been dragged up!!

Did Mary Berry herself bake these delightful scones and cakes? We decided to pop in for lunch, having lived nearby without ever visiting before. I was initially hoping for something savory, as I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but unfortunately, only cakes were on the menu. Nevertheless, I embraced the opportunity to indulge in a sweet lunch. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed, with a charming gentleman attending to our table. My eldest son chose the ginger cake, which was incredibly moist and flavorful, while my youngest savored a brownie that was equally delicious. My husband and I opted for the cream tea, and it was nothing short of fantastic! The warm scones were fresh out of the oven, accompanied by homemade jam that was utterly scrumptious and generous portions of homemade clotted cream. This experience was a delightful departure from the typical shop-bought Rodda’s clotted cream and tiny pots of Tiptree jam found at most places. I can't wait to return when they have their full menu available!

Lovely friendly pub evening meal was lovely good food nice people hubbie loved the ribs and beef madras perfect looking forward to eating there again

I’ve known Tony for many years, Good kind hearted straight up Man, The quality of food has always been on point, i’ve read the reviews am astonished with some, it can only be from competition, or sad deluded people, genuinely been going their for 25 plus years, the lads their are great food has always been good!! I suggest you try it for your self💯

I wasn’t expecting much from an Indian restaurant in the heart of the Lakes, but was very pleasantly surprised. We were there on a Sunday night and they weren’t very busy. The decor is a bit tired inside but don’t let that put you off. The food was piping hot, freshly cooked and tasty. It’s cash only and take your own booze. I would definitely go again next time we’re staying in Coniston.

I can't understand the recent negative reviews for this place. We've eaten here twice this week and both times we've been very happy with the food, service and ambience. We've also tried a nearby hotel/pub/restaurant and found it to be wanting. There's no need to book as there are always tables available. Sometimes the bar is busy but the staff are friendly and efficient. There's a huge choice of beers available and they even do quality wines by the glass. So often the best wines are only available by the bottle but not here. Yes, they only take payment by card but I don't think there are many folk in the UK who would struggle to pay that way.

Been here quite a few times for drinks and food which have always been excellent, first time though we had stayed and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the staff were very kind and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble, we will be going back.

Popped here mid walk with the family. We had 2 fantastic “light” fish and chips. Which at £13 is the same as the chip chop. Big fresh fish, hot and crispy batter (not oily) and a big plate of real potato chunky chips. Kids meals were a great size (big enough for a young teenagers) fish for the boy and chicken goujons for the girls. Both ate the lot and it was very good value (also the option of chips or fries for the meals). Nice staff and relaxed comfortable vibes. Would definitely go again. I have no idea what the bad reviews are about the people posted. Also good Lilly’s coffee and the pot of tea was massive with 2 tea bags so happy to sit and chill.

Family dinner yesterday evening. Limited but good selection of food choices on the menu, a couple of which had sold out but what they did have was served promptly and satisfied five hungry people. I tried the Black Bass from the specials board. If it is indeed the Ship's chef that came up with that dish, they are genius! Really really enjoyed it. Good range of beers cellared excellently and served well. It's the first time we've been in the Ship since new management have been in place and the welcome and service are as good as we've come to appreciate at the Ship. Price point: there or thereabouts. Not too expensive for good food and drink provided well in a lovely, friendly environment. My dog was made most welcome too which is just as important.